Do What You Love and Love What You Do
The world needs us all to dream bigger, to be braver, and figure out what makes us sparkle inside.
When looking at where I am today at Appian, I can’t help but think back to where I might’ve gone. It all started back when I graduated from high school, feeling torn on what to pursue as a career. My passion for computer science (CS) started at the age of 9 when my parents bought me my very first computer. From that moment, there was no turning back. I focused heavily on my studies, receiving all high grades in computer science classes, and was excited to pursue a CS degree in university.
Sadly, I allowed the stereotype that CS was a “male-dominated field” to hold me back, and pivoted my career choice to one that I felt at the time was more “appropriate” for females. Oh, how I wish I knew then what I know now.
I ultimately chose to achieve my bachelors degree in Economics at Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Lasi, Romania. During my undergraduate experience, I had the opportunity to take part in several student exchange programs. I studied in Belgium for a semester, and lived and worked in Greece during summers. It was a spiritually enriching experience to say the least, and one that I attribute to changing my outlook on life entirely. Meeting new people and experiencing new cultures can really change someone’s outlook on life and it sure did change mine. While living and making friends there, I was inspired by their passion towards everything they do and their love for life. Their attitudes inspired me to pursue exactly what I had always wanted to.
Happy tourist in Belgium.
It came full circle and I knew where my passion truly lied — computer science.
After I completed my bachelor studies in Economics, I applied to a Master’s program in London; a city I had always dreamt of studying in. The transition from pursuing an Economics degree to entering a Computer Science Masters program was not easy. But most importantly, it was worth it. I was studying something I thoroughly enjoyed! After I completed my Master’s in London, I was offered an opportunity with FDM Group where my role was to help new university graduates land their first job. Through FDM, I discovered Appian. After some research, I found out that the company had been recognized for several years in a row as a top place to work. I was instantly intrigued and my further research led me to feel like this was really a place I could see myself working at.
I still remember my interview day like it was yesterday. I enjoyed my discussions so much that the interviews sealed the deal for me; I knew this is where I wanted to work. My decision to work at Appian as a Consultant within the Customer Success team was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. And I still choose Appian today because throughout my time here, I have not only grown as a professional, but also as an individual. I have had the opportunity to work with many different clients, which is something I truly love to do.
Some of my main responsibilities are to make sure that my team delivers work within a specific time frame and follow best practices, while designing and implementing solutions with Appian software and supervising and mentoring people on their journey to become great consultants. This role allows me to broaden my knowledge and skills every day because each project and person I work with is different and each task involves different responsibilities and learning techniques. I truly love that I can be a developer, mentor, and database admin writing complex database queries all in one because it allows me to be a resourceful consultant when working alongside the client.
In addition to loving my job, I have met so many amazing people who have all inspired me and taught me something new. I consider myself fortunate enough to have encountered such talented, inspiring, and enthusiastic people, who are committed to excellence. To me, this company has specifically demonstrated how women bring a lot of value to a tech company — different perspectives and skill sets, totally proving that the stereotype I once thought was true, does not exist. Being a part of AppianWomen (one of our 7 affinity groups anyone can join as an employee) has given me the chance to meet women of all levels across the company. Monika Andonova, the President of AppianWomen across the EMEA region, has specifically inspired me throughout my journey at Appian. She sets a great example and empowers women to be confident and develop leadership skills both inside and outside of the workplace.
Me and my team after a successful Go-Live Project.
My journey before Appian challenged me to push boundaries and follow my passions. But Appian has further expanded opportunities for me to continue to do that each and every day. It’s the challenge, the excitement and the thrill that gets me out of bed every day. I could not be happier with the path I have chosen and the company I am working for, and I’m really looking forward to my next adventures as an Appian consultant.