FiT Feature: Joinna Patiag

Name: Joinna Patiag

Title: Data Engineer

Age : 26

Company: Elemis

Location: United Kingdom

What made you decide to make a career pivot into tech?

I began my career as an Insurance Degree Apprentice, a role I held for three years. Balancing work and studies during this time was quite intense. Let me tell you, there were many tears shed, but it allowed me to gain valuable experience in sales and customer service. Eventually, I moved to a Pricing Analyst role within the same company and successfully earned my BA (Hons) in Insurance.

 After graduating, I came to understand that the Insurance Industry wasn't my true calling. I sought a career that is more engaging, something that would present new challenges every day and keep me on my toes. I finished my degree in 2020, right in the middle of the Covid lockdown, I was working from home, which gave me the opportunity to research different career options.

 I’ve always been fascinated by coding, inspired by how it’s depicted in movies, especially Rihanna in the Ocean's 8 movie – that was tight. However, I didn’t aspire to be a hacker; I wanted to do something different that still involved coding. That's when I discovered Data Science, which intrigued me at the time because it encompasses topics like Artificial Intelligence. I began researching how to break into Data Science, realizing it required proficiency in Python and SQL. Utilizing all the free resources available to me, including YouTube coding bootcamp videos (shoutout to all the Indian YouTubers out there, you really helped me out!), free PDF coding guides, and open-source materials, I immersed myself in learning. I pursued this learning in my spare time and discovered how much I enjoyed it.

Leveraging my BA (Hons) in Insurance, I applied for an MSc Data Science course at the University of the West of England in 2021. This course was tailored for career transition and welcomed individuals with diverse educational backgrounds. I was accepted and graduated in 2022 while also securing a Junior Data Engineer role at Elemis which is not exactly Data Science but I definitely enjoy it more since there’s emphasis on my technical skills and focuses more on infrastructure and architecture. 

 So, the answer to this question is Rihanna. Rihanna in Oceans 8 did it for me.

Did your family support you going into tech?

 I would say my dad supported the idea, but my mum wasn’t too keen on me returning to university for another year to pursue a master’s degree. She was concerned it might hinder my progress and be a waste of time, which I completely understand. However, I followed my instincts and pursued it because once I commit to something, I fully send it. As time passed, I guess she saw how much I flourished and started to support me more. She realized how driven and motivated I became, which is probably the reassurance she needed to know that I would be fine.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to follow a similar career path?

 If you're interested in getting into tech, don't be afraid to start as a beginner. Embrace the learning process with an open mind and a positive attitude. Enjoy the journey, including both the wins and the losses, as each experience contributes to both your professional and personal growth and development. Learn from every challenge and triumph along the way. I promise you, the effort and perseverance will be worth it. Embracing new beginnings can open doors to opportunities you never imagined would be possible.

What skills do you think are most important to have to excel in being a data engineer?

 Resilience and curiosity. Being a Data Engineer means facing different problems and learning new things every day and I mean that because the majority of the time something is broken or not working properly. Sometimes, I think someone is playing a trick on me because there is no way things break as much as this but trust me it does. Sometimes, you might even be stuck on the same problem for a week to the point that it keeps you up at night. It will literally live in your head rent-free and you think about it even while having a shower. 

But this is why resilience is key; you must persist and try every possible solution, even if it means facing failure. Curiosity drives you to ask questions—why isn't this working? What could be wrong? Taking the initiative to solve problems leads to breakthroughs, which are incredibly rewarding. Every time I find a resolution I just feel so enlightened it’s such an amazing feeling. Every day is a learning opportunity, you just never get bored of it!

Do you feel represented in tech in the UK?

 As a woman in tech, I’ve noticed some progress in the UK towards closing the gender gap, but as a Filipino woman in tech, I feel there's still much work to be done.

Do you feel supported by the Filipinos in the tech community?

 There isn’t currently a Filipino tech community in the UK that I am a part of, but I do feel supported by my fellow Filipinos. Most of my friends are Filipinos, and I wouldn't be where I am without them. They are all achieving great things and they inspire me every single day.

What advice do you have for other Filipinos in tech who are having issues growing and obtaining promotions at their company?
As someone just starting my career in tech, I may not have all the answers yet, but I can share a few key pieces of advice. First and foremost, keep working hard and continuously strive to improve your skills. I believe this won’t be an issue with my fellow Filipinos. I know we're all hard-working by default.

But It's also crucial to know your worth. If a company doesn't value you and your skills, it may be time to explore other opportunities. I remember a quote Paulo Coelho wrote in The Alchemist, 'When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.' and I think this applies to everything in life. Recognize your potential and seek environments that appreciate and nurture your growth.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

Well, I don’t want this to sound like another cliché sob story but growing up in a remote part of Nueva Ecija, Philippines, I had very limited access to technology and educational resources. My world revolved around our animals and rice fields, and I never imagined leaving the country or being separated from my Lola. If I could have told my younger self that I would be the first woman in my family to earn a Master’s Degree in a tech-related field and travel to different countries, including Egypt to see the Pyramids? I think her jaw would be on the floor.

I take great pride in breaking numerous barriers and overcoming significant challenges to reach where I am today. But I don’t want to take all the credit for that, I wouldn’t be here without my family and friends.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

That's a great question, and my answer may sound ambitious, but I envision building my own animal shelter, taking part in Marine Conservation Projects, and traveling the world. Of course, the future is uncertain, but a girl can always dream!

What would you like to see more of from Filipinx in Tech?

I am eager to attend more networking events to connect with fellow Filipinx professionals in the tech industry. It would be great to see Filipinx in Tech organize workshops in the Philippines to teach coding skills to children from underprivileged backgrounds. There is immense potential among these young talents that is hindered by poverty.

Do you have any advice for any Filipinos who are interested in getting into tech in the UK?

A few months ago a friend reached out to me expressing her desire to transition into the tech industry. My advice to her, and to anyone with a curiosity about tech, is to go for it! I believe she is now learning JavaScript (prayers to her, what a brave soldier!) and is keen to get into a career in tech. My advice is to embrace your interest and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It's never too late to start something new, regardless of your age. Pursue it with confidence!