Being a good developer takes technical skill, but being a great developer requires creative vision and superior execution. At Avionos, a passion for building creative new solutions drives our developers to tackle challenging client projects. As our team continues to grow, fostering diversity is top of mind; empowering employees of diverse backgrounds means fresh perspectives for every project.
Meet Ann Chapman, developer extraordinaire. Read on for an account of her time at Avionos, an overview of a day in her role, and advice for women starting careers in the tech field.
Why did you want to be a developer?
“I’ve always been interested in computers and technology, even when I was growing up. From a young age, I was fortunate enough to have a strong support system of family, teachers, and mentors that helped to guide to where I am today. Being a developer has always catered to the part of me that enjoys to build and create, and I love the payoff of seeing a finished product after pouring in time and work on a project.”
What made you want to join the A-Team at Avionos?
“Throughout the entire interview process, I was extremely impressed by the culture and values that the company is built on. It was obvious from the beginning that Avionos’ mission and core philosophies aren’t just fancy copy used in marketing materials. They are living and breathing through each person and his/her relationships with other coworkers and clients.”
How has Avionos helped you progress in your career?
“I have only been with Avionos for a little over three months, and I’ve already been amazed at the amount of growth and opportunities that have come my way in such a short time. Avionos offers support and materials as I study for my Adobe Experience Manager Developer certification, as well as ongoing support throughout project work. Avionos has also given me the opportunity to jump into projects and hit the ground running from the beginning. This, along with being able to develop with and learn from my peers, has really enabled me to quickly grow and build my technical skills.”
How do you think women in tech can better support one another?
“I think that it’s important for women to celebrate each other in the technical world. While we may share many things in common, it’s also important to celebrate what makes each woman unique in her own way. Everyone comes from different walks of life, and we all have our own unique perspectives and strengths. We should vocalize these strengths and wins, both publicly and in private. This not only fosters positive relationships between women in the workplace, but it also helps to normalize the success of women in technology and give credit and recognition when it is due.”
What projects have you enjoyed most over the course of your career?
“So far, I am really enjoying my first project with Avionos. The team is aiding in the rollout of Adobe Experience Manager Sites and Assets, and I am getting the opportunity to work on pieces of technology that I have not had much prior experience with. I’ve also really enjoyed working with the project team – everyone has been very warm and helpful as I onboarded onto the project.”
What excites you about the future of your field?
“Technology is growing and changing so quickly, and I’m excited to see how automation processes and artificial intelligence grow and evolve. I am also very interested to see how integrations between many systems that we use today are improved, and what new features the future holds across the board.”
What does a typical day in your job look like?
“Most days begin with a project standup meeting to discuss. Typically, the rest of the day is spent doing heads down development work with occasional collaborative technical meetings. Avionos has a flexible work from home policy, which has allowed me to work from the comfort of my home during days where I have more heads down type of work to finish up.”
What advice would you give to a woman just starting out in your field?
“Sometimes it can get easy to try to fit into the box of what a ‘developer’ is stereotypically viewed as, especially as a woman in a male dominant field. Don’t be afraid to showcase the qualities that make you unique. Your uniqueness as an individual will make you stand out and allow you to leave your personal mark on your projects.”
Still have questions? Reach out to us! We’d love to hear from you and discuss a few of our open roles.
