Early years and where you came from?
Since I was a child, maybe influenced by my father, I wanted to be a businesswoman. I grew up in Porto and, guided by my own goals, I’ve studied at FEP. During this period, I also had the opportunity to leave my comfort zone (my parent’s home) and went to Barcelona (Facultat d’Economia i Empresa) for a semester. It was an amazing experience.
How were you introduced to the world of the Portuguese tech industry?
I think it happened! Some relatives worked at that time in the tech industry. 20 years ago, I hadn’t the vision of running my career throw this particular area. I knew I wanted to learn and practice many management areas. So, first, I decided to develop my commercial competences selling ERP at IBS (International Business Systems). I was very shy. The most enjoyable characteristic of my work was that every single day I had the chance to develop my skills and promote connections.
Walk me through your work and what you are doing now in the tech industry.
Currently, I manage companies in different sectors of activity. The main one is a tech enterprise, specialized in Human Resources, uMan Xpert (HR Solutions). Develops and implements a software named uMan Global HR. I’m very proud of my team because, together, we built a successful business, totally directed to our customers’ needs. And we always have new projects!
What part of what you do, you love the most?
In my position, I must have a global vision and be a very polyvalent worker. I love it a lot! When it’s possible I participate in product evolution conciliating that with market requirements and financial studies. Our software attends our customers’ needs, so it is a challenge to anticipate those requests! Also, it is very satisfying to transform ideas into successful innovations. And it’s all about People and teamwork.
How do you think that your background and knowledge impact the way you approach your work in the Portuguese tech industry?
In many different ways, my professional experience in IT helped me developing my personality, curiosity and will to learn each day, more and more. The tech industry doesn’t rest.
What advice do you have for young women that want to get into tech and don’t know where to start?
Since 2009, at uMan Xpert, we recruit Consultants from Human Resources courses and, in this area, most of the students are women! Strong and dedicated women, focused on human capital, that latter became experts in tech.
Establish personal objectives, be persistent, build a network. Read a lot. Be very competent and opportunities will show up. Find a mentor and be involved in IT Community, like Portuguese Woman in Tech. Don’t be afraid.
Walk me through a day in your life as a Portuguese women in tech.
My days are always different but I start checking the main news, then my email. On the way to work I mentally review my agenda and what I have to do. The probability of not accomplish it is high, because, team, customers and partners management are very unpredictable but, knowing this, I try to plan and list all the important tasks! I’m always looking for new business opportunities concentrating my attention on management and investments.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
It was not really an advice. In fact, it was an encouragement. I was very young, starting my days in the tech working world. 20 years ago, someone told me that it wasn’t possible to be promoted “there” because there were 3 colleagues in line better positioned, with more experience … Fortunately, my motivation and effort were high and “he” was wrong. I still like him a lot, he made me see how things were and gave me a lesson. It was a men’s world. So, my advice is: don’t give up on your dreams because if you are a competent professional, you’ll achieve good results.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
uMan Global HR (for Administrative & Human Capital Management)
Google, linkedin, zoom.
👉Find Cília on LinkedIn
