Hi there, I am Ume Habiba, a rising senior at the University of Maryland, College Park, studying information science.

Over the past few years, I've gained many experiences from working as a full-stack software engineer to becoming a keynote speaker talking about my journey through tech. I'm passionate about bridging the gender gap in tech and doing so in a way where there is less of a gatekeeping culture and more of a resourceful and mentoring culture.

1. How did you land your first internship? 

I attended a career fair during my sophomore year, which helped me land my first SWE internship. Career fairs are a great way to get 1:1 time with recruiters and ambassadors to give you a leg up in the recruiting process!

2. What has been the biggest challenge in your career?

There are quite a few – imposter syndrome, comments in the workspace about my "overly dressed for the occasion" attire, constant self-doubt, and remarks on asking too many questions.

3. What advice would you give to someone who wants to succeed in their careers?

My first piece of advice is that all experience is good experience! Whether that is contributing to open-source projects, pursuing personal projects, getting an unpaid internship, or even attending a boot camp or hackathon. These are all things you can add to your resume no matter the level of impact or amount of "pay".  What's most important is the learnings you take away from each experience. 

Another piece of advice I'd give is to take any and every opportunity that comes your way. Somewhere along the way, you might discover new passions or even learn what you thought you’d enjoy doing is not what you actually enjoy! You will never know until you try.

4. What’s something you’d tell your younger self?

I'd tell my younger self to be more patient and embrace the journey. Life rarely follows a linear path, and it's okay to deviate from your plans. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth, and remember that success often comes when you least expect it. 

Stay resilient, stay true to yourself, and keep moving forward 🚀