International Day of Women and Girls in Science: an Interview with Team Internet's Padma Rajagopal

To commemorate this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we're showcasing the work of one of our own women in tech, Web Development Manager, Padma Rajagopal!

How long have you worked as a Web Development Manager?

Joining Instra Corporation in 2012 marked the beginning of my career in Australia as a Software Developer. In three years’ time, I advanced to the role of Frontend Team Lead, and following the acquisition of Instra by Team Internet, my position transitioned into Web Development Manager. Reflecting on this progression, I've dedicated over eight years in the lead role, witnessing and contributing to the dynamic changes within the organisation.

What professional route did you take to land in this field?

I pursued both my Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science in India, achieving the second-highest rank in the university during my Masters. Following post-graduation, I spent three years as software engineer in one of the largest integrated ICT Solutions and Services provider in India. Upon migrating to Australia, I was fortunate to seamlessly transition into a similar professional role, maintaining continuity in my career within the same domain.

How have you seen the web dev space change since you started out in the profession? What changes still need to be made?

The IT industry is undergoing significant changes daily. Reflecting on my initiation into the field back in 2006, I recall being a member of a web development team, crafting online examination portals for various banks for their recruitment process, primarily using core PHP and HTML without much emphasis on frameworks.

Since then, the web has transformed significantly. Some notable trends include the rise of mobile responsiveness, the dominance of social media platforms, the widespread use of dynamic web applications, increased emphasis on user experience design and the growth of e-commerce. Additionally, there is a shift towards HTTPS for secure browsing, the adoption of cloud computing and the evolution of web development frameworks and technologies such as React and Vue.js. Overall, the web has become more interactive, dynamic and user-centric over the years.

The web industry continues to evolve and a crucial aspect to address is ensuring inclusivity in technology. Fostering diversity, improving accessibility standards, and enhancing cybersecurity measures are areas that require ongoing attention to create a more equitable and secure digital landscape.

Why do you love working in the field?

Web development is a field where creativity directly transforms to customer satisfaction. It's a dynamic space that constantly challenges and inspires me. Working in this area allows me to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology, foster innovation within my team, and witness tangible outcomes as we bring digital solutions to life. The constant evolution of web development keeps me engaged and the collaborative nature of the role enables me to lead a talented team towards achieving impactful results. Steering a team to create digital solutions that impact users positively is both challenging and fulfilling.

Having collaborated with the same engineering team for over six years, our strong working relationship enhances team collaboration and communication. This camaraderie fosters a positive environment, resulting in cohesive efforts that consistently yield excellent results.

You’ve been with Team Internet for over ten years now! How have you seen your role evolve and change as the company has grown?

Commencing my journey at Instra Corporation as a software developer, I gradually progressed to the role of a web development manager, providing me with diverse experiences and responsibilities that shaped my professional growth within the organisation.

Over the past decade with the company, I've experienced a transformative journey both in my role and alongside the company's growth. Initially focused on specific tasks, my responsibilities expanded in tandem with the organisation's development. Progressing from individual contributions to leadership roles, I adapted to the dynamic needs of our expanding entity. As Team Internet acquired various companies, I seized the opportunity to collaborate with diverse individuals worldwide, sharing ideas and suggestions. This global exposure not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully to our progress and but also embrace new challenges as opportunities for professional development.

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us Padma, and for all that you’ve contributed to Team Internet!