Barclays Prague Technology Center is a unique place. We bring together a rare combination of talent, tech, diverse perspectives, positive culture and genuine global impact to create an environment where the best people can do exceptional work.
Meet one of the brilliant women working as a senior developer in Barclays Prague Technology Center Ekaterina Znatkova, who is currently working as a Controls Development Lead while also managing a team of developers. In addition, Katya is deeply engaged in site-wide activities, organizing sessions to introduce children to the world of IT and serving as a mentor for the second consecutive year in one of our internal development programs focused on fostering the growth of female talent.
Katya recently participated with her team in the Barclays-wide global GenAI hackathon, a unique 24-hour event with over 1,000 participants, 154 teams, and 9 Barclays campuses. In Prague, at 3:20 AM, 16 hours after the start of the event, we still had 35 colleagues wide awake and coding! Katya is one of the 17 women from Prague who participated in the hackathon and is the proud winner of the Hackathon Star award, in addition to being part of one of the five location-wide winning teams!
In the following interview, she shares her journey into the world of IT, the challenges she faces, and her experiences at the GenAI Hackathon.
I’ve always been fascinated by the world of technology, thanks to my parents who spent their entire careers in this field. Growing up, I would often visit server rooms and explore books on programming languages like Ada, Cobol, and others that may not be as widely used today. My current role is divided into two distinct areas: I serve as a Tech Lead for the Data Quality Management team and I have taken on a leadership role in our DevOps team, focusing on AWS migration efforts. The combination of these roles allowed me to appreciate the ever-evolving and captivating nature of the IT field.
One of the biggest challenges is staying up to date with the latest technological advancements while juggling time commitments. The truth is that IT requires constant learning and professional development.
I saw the GenAI hackathon as an opportunity to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI and machine learning. And, I must say, it was a truly eye-opening experience! The organizers did an excellent job of providing all the necessary resources, training, and support to make the event a success. What stood out for me was the energy and enthusiasm of my team - we had a fantastic dynamic that helped us push through the long hours and keep our momentum going. What made it even more enjoyable was the sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement that developed among team members. We were able to lift each other up and celebrate our successes together, which made the experience even more rewarding.
As someone who has benefited from opportunities in IT, I believe it is essential to give back and help others realize their potential. I have seen firsthand how self-doubt or unconscious biases can hold people back. It is fulfilling to help them overcome these barriers and unlock their full potential. Seeing the confidence boost and sense of community that comes from supporting each other is truly inspiring. For me, change starts from us - by empowering others, I hope to create a ripple effect that fosters a more inclusive and diverse industry.
If you are considering a career in IT, remember that passion and interest are key. IT is a vast field with many areas to explore, from data analysis and cybersecurity to software development and cloud computing. Identify your interests by attending local events or joining groups and find a mentor for guidance. IT is a challenging field that requires dedication and hard work, but if you genuinely love it, the effort will be worth it. Remember to prioritize self-care during this transition, and do not let discouragement hold you back. With persistence and determination, you can overcome any obstacle.
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