Vesta celebrates Women in Engineering Day on June 23rd!

Today we take a bow to our female colleagues in the technical field who carry out these tough jobs with poise and humor. They strive to inspire women and girls around the world to pursue engineering roles. A big thank you to all of our female colleagues in engineering and data science for paving the way.

We interviewed three of our star tech women; continue reading to learn more about their journey.

Linda Goss, Engineering Manager 

1. How long have you been in this role here and/or professionally?

I’ve been an Engineering Manager for the past 4 years, but have worked in both Quality Assurance & Technical Project Management roles for most of my professional career.

2. What sparked your interest in an engineering and or data science career? How did you get started in this career?

My first step on the Software Engineering path was at age 12 when I received an Amstrad CPC6128 computer from my parents for Christmas. I spent many (many) hours writing Basic code to produce the most rudimentary ‘Ping Pong’ game. At the time, I got more enjoyment from stepping through & debugging the code than playing the actual game. Later on, I completed a BSc in Computing in Software Development, which provided a broad foundation in both hardware & software – as well as covering some of the more ‘modern’ languages at that time (COBOL, VB, C, C#). On graduating, I spent a couple of years working in Software Development – eventually moving on to focus on Software Quality, and Team Lead/Management roles, picking up industry qualifications at each stage.

3.What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

As an Engineer, it’s all about solving problems, finding a better way to do something & ultimately delighting the end consumer. As a Manager, it’s all about the people – supporting & facilitating a Team of incredibly talented Engineers as they build something new & great is most rewarding.

4. Any tips or advice for aspiring STEM careers for future engineer girls? 

Talk to people, find a mentor, try to gain some experience. Above all, stay curious – ask questions, try to understand problems & come up with solutions. There are so many great opportunities open to you in STEM – you just need to find the right fit!

Lindsey Stahl, Fraud Analyst 

1. How long have you been in this role here and/or professionally? 

I have been in this profession for about 3 years. However, I have only been at Vesta for 1 month.

2. What sparked your interest in an engineering and or data science career? How did you get started in this career? 

I never knew a career in STEM would be for me, until my college professor suggested I take a Visual Basic class. I remember my excitement the first day in class when I created a button to return the words “Hello World”, just by using a simple code. It was fascinating to see just all that could be created or manipulated with a set of codes.

3. What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

4. Any tips or advice for aspiring STEM careers for future engineer girls?

Never think anything is too hard! Seek out new opportunities! And always take risks. If I didn’t take any risks, I wouldn’t have this job! 

Duyen Nguyen, Data Scientist 

1. How long have you been in this role here and/or professionally? 

2. What sparked your interest in an engineering and or data science career? How did you get started in this career? 

3. What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

4. Any tips or advice for aspiring STEM careers for future engineer girls?

My advices for future engineer girls are: be curious, confident, and competitive in whatever career you choose to be in.