Teresa Oronez
Developer & Group Manager
Please provide a brief background about yourself:
I am born and raised in Stockholm with a multicultural background, now a mother of three children. I love being creative, whether it is in coding and problem solving or crafts or arts. With a MSc in Engineering Physics, I got into the world of software crafting. After working as a consultant for eight years, I joined my current company in 2008 where I still feel challenged.
How would you describe your day-to-day role?
With a double role as a developer and a group manager for developers, I understand the challenges my group members face. I listen, encourage, push and try to help out when needed. I also focus on improving how we collaborate and work together between different roles in the company. I strive to make the most of the creativity and innovation among all colleagues. And, from time to time, I do some programming.
What led you to choose a career in this field?
My first contact with programming was when studying MSc in Engineering Physics at the Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, KTH) in Stockholm. I have always loved mathematics, logics and problem solving, and with programming this comes together in a satisfying manner. Programming also gives the opportunity to learn a lot of new things in different areas depending on the field you are working in. With time, I also experienced the satisfactory feeling of simplifying cumbersome, monotonous task for end users - this still motivates me a lot.
What convinced you to apply for your current role?
I was already a developer in the company when I got the group manager role. It felt natural to move in that direction. The role includes taking care of my colleagues and having a platform to improve the processes and ways of working, which also is a kind of problem solving.
What’s the most exciting part of your role?
As a group manager, to see my group members evolve and thrive. As a developer, to write that bit of code that will make a difference for the end user, their company and by extension to ours.
What’s the most challenging part of your role?
Balancing, in both roles. As a group manager, one the one hand encouraging and pushing, and on the other hand helping my team. As a developer, it is the balance between writing the perfect code and stopping at good enough.
How is working where you are now different from previous roles you’ve had?
As a group manager, I participate in a lot of meetings and talk to a lot of people. Thinking of which information may be valuable whom for. It is a lot like programming actually, problem solving and information flow between people to ensure everything goes according to plan.
What is your greatest accomplishment since starting out?
Helping people in their daily work, whether it is by simplifying their work with the software I develop, or by listening to and supporting colleagues during their efforts. We are all part of the evolution of our company.
What hobbies do you have outside of work?
All kinds of activities with my kids, taking courses with my dog, travelling and hiking. I enjoy different kinds of sports, like aikido and triathlon. On a creative note, I love playing the piano, painting and sculpturing, and carpentry. I really like to build things. But of course, it is impossible to do all these things, so I need to choose from time to time!
If you could describe your day in three words, what would they be?
Collaborating, problem solving, prioritising.
What’s the best piece of advice you would offer to future Women in Tech?
Do what you like and be curious. Collaborate and learn from others.
