Monster Bites from Amali de Alwis
Monster Bites from Amali de Alwis
With Monster Bites we have real people telling their stories and sharing their experiences to help us all gain important #CareerConfidence. Amali de Alwis, CEO of Code First: Girls (a Social Enterprise that works with companies and young professional women - increasing the numbers of women in tech) gives her thoughts and insights on interview advice, how to network and using your holiday to focus on your career.
Coding as a Career
"Hi, I'm Amali de Alwis, CEO of Code First: Girls, a company that focuses on getting more women in to Tech. We work with some great companies ranging from Monster and Bank of America Merrill Lynch to companies like Thoughtworks and Twitter, and run coding courses, career events, as well as workshops on tech talent recruitment and retention. With regards to career paths, I studied manufacturing engineering, then footwear product design & development, before moving into research and strategy to get to where I am now."
My Top Interview Tip
Leen and Keen
"I think one of the most important things to get across in an interview is that you are passionate about the role and the industry. When I changed industries I was worried that I wouldn't have enough experience, but I learnt that most employers would much rather have someone who is motivated and willing to learn rather than someone who isn't and who just has experience."
Difficult Questions
Avoiding Fall Out
"I think the hardest questions to answer are those inquiring about tricky situations where you had to deal with a challenging client or you fell out with a work colleague. These make you feel a little vulnerable, however it's key to show how you dealt with the situation professionally and what you learnt from it."
Good Network Advice
Unfamiliar Territory
"I am constantly networking because of the nature of my job. Meeting new people and sharing what we do is a key part of my week. I am lucky that I work in London where there are fantastic opportunities to network. My main tip is to try not to head for the safest looking group of people, try to diversify and speak to people you wouldn't normally. It can be daunting but also worthwhile in the long run."
My Holiday Hints
Caribbean Career Planning
"We all have very hectic lives and it's difficult to have time to think clearly when you are so busy. Therefore, a holiday is an excellent time to take a step back, recharge your batteries and consider if your career is heading in the right direction. I recently went away to the beautiful Saint Kitts & Nevis. It was wonderful to get some sun and relaxation."
We hope you found Amali's advice helpful and inspiring and If you'd like to read further on any topic, then head over to our cv templates to guidance on how to write a cover letter.
If you'd like to share your story, then please email Monster and provide us with your name and job title and we will endeavour to include you in our forthcoming editions as soon as possible. Remember, we can all help everyone's #CareerConfidence by sharing our own experiences and stories.
