The latest articles on DEV Community by Marie Haggberg (@haggbergconsult). https://dev.to/haggbergconsult https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F9227%2FXmhCM23o.jpg https://dev.to/haggbergconsult en Marie Haggberg Wed, 08 Mar 2017 20:27:19 +0000 https://dev.to/haggbergconsult/nevertheless-marie-haggberg-coded https://dev.to/haggbergconsult/nevertheless-marie-haggberg-coded <h2> I began coding because... </h2> <p>... of a word processor. As a technical writer in a hospital engineering group, I was the one who "got the computer" (an early generation IBM PC). I started working with desktop database programs during a financial reporting effort at our hospital, then moved to relational databases, software development, and my second career. In coding and database work, I found a new outlet for my creativity, strengths in asking questions, and interest in storytelling. Coding also dovetailed with my writer's instinct for syntax, structure and organization.</p> <h2> I'm currently hacking on... </h2> <p>Exploring graph databases; working with mapping, spatial data and geodatabases.</p> <h2> I'm excited about... </h2> <p>Continued advances in automated builds and deployment, open source. </p> <h2> My advice for other women who code is... </h2> <p>For young women just entering the field: Always have an active side project, be it paid, volunteer, or your own work for education or enjoyment. Find a mentor to enrich your professional journey. </p> <p>For women who code: never internalize any marginalization or condescension you may encounter. This can be hard to do, but worth it given the self-esteem and confidence you'll retain. If you're an established professional, give back through mentoring a junior dev, and by volunteering your technical skills as you can to local community groups in need.</p> wecoded