DevExperience: What did you want to become when you were a child?

When I was 7 I wanted to become violinist. Later I switched to becoming mathematician and when I was 11-12, I made up my mind towards Computer Science.

DevExperience: What is the story of your begining in this field? How did you start working in this industry?

I went to the Computer Science High School in Iasi, where I enjoyed learning Computer Science and where I got to participate in competitions. I started my first job in the field when I was in the first year of college, in Bucharest. I got recommended for a job there due to my participations in Computer Science and Software competitions.

DevExperience: There are a lot of people in IT that dream to work in big companies, like Google. How is it for you to work for Google and what is your advice for the people that would love to join?

It is indeed still a dream come true. Google was voted as the best workplace in Switzerland. For people who want to join: Everything is possible. Prepare with lots of coding and try! You have nothing to loose!

DevExperience: How was it for you to be a woman in IT? Have you ever had obstacles? Also, what is your advice for women who would like to have a career in IT?

It is somewhat challenging to be a woman in IT. In Romania the percentage of women in IT is somewhat closer to 50% (I'm basing this on my college stats). However, internationally (Western World), the percentage drops closer to 15%. This is the case at Google as well (This is just a rough estimate). There were times when I had to prove myself more than others, At Google my colleagues are very considerate and I don't feel the difference.
I fully recommend women to pursue a career in IT. It is a very promising field with a lot of impact. I think that women belong in this field just as much as everyone else.

DevExperience: How you and people who work with you see the Romanian IT industry?

There are plenty of Romanian Engineers at Google in Zurich. Everyone thinks that the Romanian IT Industry is very strong and has many strong engineers.

DevExperience: How do you see the future of IT 10 years from now?

IT is and is going to be very relevant. It has applications in every field and will improve the quality of life. However, we have to be careful with people who can abuse it.

DevExperience: What do you do for your both personal and professional development?

I still pursue different trainings and challenges. Personally, I have many hobbies which I try to combine with work.

DevExperience: What is the greatest part of your job? What is the not so great part of it?

Greatest part of my job is my project and my colleagues. The not so great part of it is that it is far from my home country and I cannot spend as much time with my family, as I want.

DevExperience: How would you explain to an old lady who knows nothing about technology what is it exactly that you do? :)

"I help the phone to understand at what the camera is pointing. I create a visual browser for the world around you."

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