Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sara Buceta from our Barcelona office. She shared her career journey and thoughts on women in tech, offering valuable insights and advice for companies, parents, and educational institutions.

Q: Sara, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Sara: I’ve been with FSP’s Barcelona office for almost 2 years. Initially, I spent six months as an intern before becoming an associate data engineer upon completing my degree. I am in the Data and AI capability, primarily focusing on data transformation. My role involves moving company data from one place to another and transforming it in the process. Additionally, I work with Power BI to generate reports from this data

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be in tech, or was it more of a journey?

Sara: My degree is in Computer Engineering, so I’ve been on this path for a while. However, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do before university. I chose computer engineering because it offers the flexibility to explore other fields. For instance, although I’m at FSP, a tech-focused company, my skills could also apply to roles in diverse fields like Biology or History, integrating technology into their research teams. While my career has largely followed a tech route, I am also pursuing a master’s degree in human rights, illustrating that my journey has been multifaceted.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?

Sara: My parents were a significant influence. My dad’s interest in technology and my mum’s career as a translator fostered an environment of curiosity and support. They always encouraged me to pursue whatever I was interested in. We watched many documentaries on various subjects, including technology. Activities like electrical projects and programming with my dad exposing me to different options, allowing me to choose what I enjoyed the most.

Q: What highlights have you experienced in your work at FSP?

Sara: Several moments stand out. I enjoy working independently on my projects and successfully bringing them to completion. Collaborative projects have also been significant, offering substantial opportunities. Client-facing work has been particularly fulfilling due to the trust and responsibility involved. Additionally, participating in internal initiatives like recruitment and working on projects aligned with my passions, such as those with Jack Tame, have been rewarding.

Q: Do you have a favourite part of your job?

Sara: Interestingly, my favourite part is the client interactions. I enjoy understanding their requirements, working through their problems, and finding solutions. This aspect of problem-solving is particularly satisfying to me.

Q: Have you had any mentors who have helped you along the way?

Sara: Yes, several mentors have been instrumental. During my internship, Jordi Vilajosana Rodriguez was a great mentor and is now a supportive team leader. Hrayr Diloyan’s expertise and leadership have provided me with excellent guidance on how to grow in my career. Outside FSP, my parents of course, my theatre teacher – who helped me come out of my shell, and my martial arts teacher – who taught me discipline. They have all been influential.

Q: Do you think mentorship is important?

Sara: Absolutely. While not essential for everyone, mentorship can provide guidance and a trusted support system, making a significant difference. It helps to have someone you can rely on, making it easier to ask for help and navigate challenges.

Q: Have you encountered any gender-related issues in your tech career?

Sara: While it’s much better than in the past, subtle biases still exist. Occasionally, there are passive comments or underestimations based on gender. Although these instances are rare, they can be impactful. It’s crucial to address insecurities, be assertive, and respect oneself and others. The more women that enter tech, the less frequent these issues will become.

Q: Are there advantages to being a woman in tech today?

Sara: Yes, companies are actively seeking gender balance, creating more opportunities for women. However, these opportunities must be based on merit. At FSP, the focus is on finding the best person for the job, and the company genuinely supports its employees, regardless of gender.

Q: What advice would you give to companies wanting to attract more women into tech?

Sara: It’s a joint effort involving families, schools, and society. Women need to feel confident in their abilities to seize opportunities. Companies should provide support and create an environment where women feel capable and confident.

Q: Where do you see the future of women in tech heading?

Sara: I believe we’ll see more women in tech roles. However, companies must ensure genuine inclusion, giving women a voice and not just paying lip service. Diverse perspectives are essential for effective technological innovation. The next few years will be critical in shaping this inclusivity.

Q: What key changes would you like to see in the tech industry?

Sara: More women in leadership and technical roles. Despite progress, leadership in major tech companies remains male-dominated. Encouraging and preparing deserving women for leadership roles is essential for sustainable progress.