Haylna Ostroumova is a Delivery Consultant for GlobalLogic, working within the Engineering Centre in Manchester.
Tell us about your journey into working in the digital and tech industry
I was born in Odessa, Ukraine, with a non-technical background in Ukrainian language and literature. Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked in various fields, including international logistics, real estate, and IT sales management, driven by a passion for helping others and a desire for continuous learning.
Though I was often encouraged to remain in managerial roles due to my soft skills and lack of a technical degree, I had always been fascinated by coding and developer career opportunities. The war in Ukraine became a pivotal moment for me. As the crisis unfolded, I felt an urgent need to learn coding, both to support my family and to make a meaningful contribution to my country.
I relocated to the UK, where a generous sponsor family helped me enrol in a government-sponsored coding bootcamp at Northcoders. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life—but also the most rewarding. Today, I am a software developer at GlobalLogic, building a better future for myself and others.
What challenges have you found along the way? And how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges for me was learning coding theory and practice in English, which is not my first language. However, since coding is primarily done in English, this has turned out to be an advantage in the long run. Coding itself can be mentally exhausting, requiring intense focus and consistency, especially when tackling problems I had never encountered before. For me, coding feels like a combination of maths and puzzle-solving—experimenting with different approaches until finding the right solution.
Another challenge was building the courage to pursue a field where I didn’t see many women, as development isn’t traditionally viewed as a female role. Staying motivated required setting clear goals to help me push through tough times. By focusing on what I wanted to achieve, I was able to persevere despite the obstacles.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the industry?
One of my favourite things about working in IT is the constant opportunity for learning and self-improvement. This aligns perfectly with my personality, as I love continuous growth and development. I also enjoy being at the forefront of new technological breakthroughs—using cutting-edge innovations in daily work and being part of something that shapes the future. It feels incredible to know you’re contributing to the next big thing.
Why do you think it’s important, especially within the digital and tech industries, that programs such as Digital Her support the next generation?
Programs like Digital Her play a vital role in inspiring the next generation, especially girls. By providing visibility and support, these initiatives show young women that a career in coding and tech is achievable. When girls see successful women in the field, they start believing in the possibility of pursuing these careers. Digital Her offers guidance, encouragement, and resources that help young women take those first steps. Sometimes, all it takes is having a role model or a safe space to ask technical questions without fear of judgement to inspire young women to dream big and succeed.
What could the industry do better to encourage and support women to join and stay in the sector?
To encourage and support more women in tech, the industry should focus on two key areas: early career encouragement and long-term retention. Promoting technical careers to girls at a young age, providing role models, and clearly communicating the benefits of careers in STEM can make these fields more appealing. When young girls see the potential and opportunities available, they’re more likely to consider tech as a viable path.
It’s equally important to support women who wish to transition into tech later in life. Many women are looking for second chances in their careers, and programs like bootcamps, combined with inclusive hiring practices, can create a diverse and welcoming environment.