9 minute read
One Castille: For women, by women
Andrea Amato in conversation with six Castillians from across our pillars, who discuss what it’s like to work their roles, share challenges they’ve resiliently overcome, and offer words of advice in becoming your own in today’s progressive society.
Chantelle Mifsud
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Senior Finance Consultant
On a typical workday as a senior finance consultant
As part of the Search team, our day starts with a call with the rest of the team where we update each other. Of course, we discuss any issues which we might be facing at the time.
As the day goes by, I am in constant communication with candidates and clients in meeting their needs and requirements.
On overcoming challenges
I think the greatest challenge in recruitment is attracting and sourcing the right talent, when it appears there is a skill shortage and many job opportunities. I believe one way of overcoming this challenge is building an honest relationship with both our clients and candidates and be as supportive as possible to them.
On a positive workplace culture for women
Castille makes no distinction of gender when it comes to creating a positive workplace culture. I believe all employees within Castille have the same opportunity of benefiting from a positive workplace culture though equality.
On her greatest mentor in Castille
Of course, my greatest mentor has been Nikki — our head of Search. Having said that, all teams within the company has been great support during my Castillian journey.
Deepeentee Jhoomuck
Senior Software Developer (Castille Labs)
On her role as a senior software developer
As a Java developer, I would describe myself as one who is curious, with a constant will to learn, motivated, and results oriented.
I am always wishing to grow as a developer!
On what inspired her to work in technology
Well, it’s in my genes! All the kids in my family worked in IT, and I married someone passionate about IT. Joking aside, my brothers used to spend their weekends writing code for small mobile apps to run on our phones. It was very satisfying to see your written codes at work. My inspiration grew from that, and I remember showing an app I wrote to Castille when I interviewed.
On the best part of being a woman in a technological field
To prove to other women that if we put our minds to it, we can do and excel in any job.
On the discrepancy between men and women in technology
I believe we tend to underestimate women at work in general, where our ideas are not taken seriously. My advice is this — women should be able to speak openly about matters bothering them at work, especially if it is related to gender discrimination. And to the ladies, keep working hard and excel. Let your work speak for itself.
Ritienne Bajada
Associate Director, Global Client Relationships
On her role as associate director
I am responsible for building and expanding client relationships, with particular focus on the international market. On a day-to-day basis, I'm in touch with various contacts that range from brand ambassadors to potential clients based across numerous geographies.
I am also in continuous discussions with my colleagues to ensure we are all on the same page when it comes to client conversations and strategic prospects.
On her journey in actualising her role
Before moving internally to this role, I had the opportunity of working in other areas of the business and this has allowed me to gain a good understanding of the organisation and our clients. I also got to work closely with various teams which has been instrumental in strengthening my internal relationships with my colleagues.
Working for an innovative and agile organisation such as Castille, makes this journey an exciting one filled with interesting prospects and possibilities.
On overcoming challenges
Daily, there are different challenges to tackle depending on the project at hand or the specific discussions that might be taking place with prospective clients. I can't think of one specific example, however one of the most interesting aspects of my role is that there are always new and unique situations that present themselves and need to be addressed. Overcoming these requires creative thinking and empathy.
I look at things with a fresh pair of eyes and tap into the wealth of knowledge and relationships that already exists within Castille.
On advice to women aspiring to management roles
I would encourage other aspiring women leaders not to be afraid to push themselves out of their comfort zone. To be always open to continue learning and addressing areas where they feel they can improve.
I would also encourage them to embrace change, whether this is part of the plan or not and use it as an opportunity to evolve and grow.
My last piece of advice is to always be yourself, there is no specific mould that you need to fit into but rather allow your authenticity to differentiate you.
Stefani Grech
Senior Consultant (Finance)
On her role as a senior finance consultant
As a senior recruitment consultant at Castille, I understand the needs of our clients and candidates. The job requires great people skills and the ability to empathise with both sides while remaining professional. Usually, we develop relationships with clients at their offices, however COVID-19 forced us to maintain these through digital platforms.
My job is fast-paced and challenging, yet simultaneously rewarding. I feel we assist and offer advice that leads to positive change in someone else’s life.
On a positive workplace culture for women
Considering the benefits and career progression opportunities, I have to say that Castille does an excellent job when it comes to encouraging a positive workplace culture for all employees. Most importantly we are treated as equals, no matter the gender.
On challenges women face in the industry and overcoming them
I believe women face similar challenges across industries, such as equal pay, work-life balance, etc. Whilst it is true that both men and women sacrifice their time to raise a child, the modern woman struggles to strike a balance between work and family life. She often sacrifices the latter to succeed within a company and society.
I never faced such challenges; however, companies should encourage open dialogue into this topic. After all, regardless of our gender, we come to work with the same ambitions and goals to succeed.
On her greatest mentor in Castille
It is difficult to name one person, as we have always worked well as a team. Every member brings different skills and insight into the industry, enabling everyone the chance to improve.
However, I would have to mention Mark Sims, who was the first to believe in my skills and instilled Castillian values in me early on.
I want to thank Nikki Farrugia for her constant support and approachability. She always ensures to keep us focused to achieve company goals and progress in our careers.
Olya Murys
Senior Test Automation Engineer
On a typical workday as a senior test automation engineer
As a test automation engineer, I am responsible for a products quality. The first thing I do on a workday is, of course, grab some coffee, and then review test run results. If there are any issues, I begin investigating them.
On her journey in reaching her current role
I studied computer science in university and in my second year, we began learning front-end basics. I really enjoyed it, so I learned front-end well, and half a year later gained my first job as a trainee front-end developer.
After a few years, I wanted to try for another role as an automation engineer. I started learning that from courses in my previous company. Here I am now, as a senior test automation engineer!
On the discrepancy between men and women in technology
I think this is mainly an issue of the past. Nowadays, there are more women in IT. Whereas in the past women worked in HR or QA, now you will find women who are coding, in senior management, leading projects and start-ups.
On advice to women wishing to pursue a career in technology
I believe this is societal. When we hear the word ‘programmer’, we construct an image of a man. People say technology is not a profession for a girl, or that women are not smart enough to pursue a career in tech.
I say if you really want something, anyone can learn it. The tech field is diverse, and you can always try something new.
We need to encourage showcasing women in tech fields and their successes.
Jasbeer Keramuth
Senior Consultant (Human Capital)
On her role as a senior human capital consultant
I work with a team in Mauritius and Malta. My role is quite diverse, I have several projects I work on. My main expertise and task is to provide the best available talent to support a client’s role.
I search for talent globally, for people who believe in our vision and would like to take part in this wonderful journey in being a Castillian.
On overcoming challenges
I’ve worked in Castille for nearly four years now, beginning my career as a recruitment consultant in Mauritius leading to where I am today. My greatest challenge was to work and be managed remotely, as this was new for both myself and my manager.
There was a lot of trial and error before fine-tuning our strategy. We learned each other’s personality and culture, and most importantly learned to trust one another.
On her greatest mentors in Castille
Undoubtedly, Joseph and Gilbert. Joseph is a great leader; he is patient and always ready to provide guidance. Funnily, the majority of his team is made up of women, and trust me, he can manage all our personalities! Gilbert is always ready to help out. He believes in people and shares his technical expertise on a weekly basis to lead us in becoming better consultants. I genuinely believe it is a great privilege to work with both.
On advice to women wishing to pursue a career in technology
The best way is to start young. Teach girls to love maths and avoid the stereotype that humanities are for women, and tech are for men. Let them choose what they want to study and who they want to be in life.
Nowadays, more women are acting as role-models by interviewing, coaching and mentoring in tech.
Be brave, embark on something that sparks your interest, and you will love your job.
