Position: Associate Software Engineer
How long have you been at LogicMonitor? What has your experience been like?
I started with LM in March 2020. Working at LM has been a highlight of my professional journey. Not only have I been able to grow my career in a nonlinear fashion, but I’ve also been encouraged and supported every step of the way.
You recently moved from an HR role to an engineering role. Can you talk about why you wanted to change roles?
Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work at several amazing tech companies. I love being part of the energy inherent in tech, however, I’ve had a lingering desire to be more hands-on. So when 2020 left me with the free time to try something new, I thought if not now, when?
What advice do you have for others who want to change their career path?
Talk to others who currently have the job you’re interested in. I gained knowledge and insight from coworkers who were in the role I wanted to have. Through them, I learned the skills necessary to make the switch and got a glimpse into the reality of their day-to-day work.
What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I enjoy the intellectual challenge of development. Before starting this journey, I had no idea how much work can go into the features that make up a single web page. The moments where I struggle with the code but then get a feature working on my screen are extremely rewarding.
What is the most challenging part of your role?
By far the biggest challenge is being new to the world of development. It’s like speaking a new language and I am still learning. I’m often faced with imposter syndrome and feeling like I don’t know enough. Fortunately, I have a very supportive team that both encourages and supports me as I grow as a developer.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
My team lead, Peter Stradinger, has been my mentor since I began learning to code. He was one of the first people I connected with when trying to learn more about development as a career and he has been a guiding force ever since. Additionally, my whole team inspires me with their work, and one day I hope to be as skilled as they are.
If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?
Outside of what I’m learning at work, I would love to learn to paint. I think it’s such a fun way to express creativity. Plus I think it would be really cool to be able to paint our beautiful Santa Barbara sunsets.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time outside, hiking, climbing, or just hanging out at the beach with my husband.
What book would you recommend that you have read recently?
I don’t like to get too serious with my reading and tend to choose books that just make me happy. Recently I read, and would recommend, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. It was a fun read about an unexpected adventure and the kindness of strangers.
What are your favorite places in Santa Barbara?
East beach is one of my favorite places to hang out. Otherwise, you can find me on a boat in the harbor.