Renáta Pap-Balázs is Senior Front-End Developer at digital agency, Soap Media.
She never imagined she’d pursue a career in tech, and it wasn’t until her early twenties that she began exploring coding, enrolling in university to study economic informatics.
Initially, she imagined an entrepreneurial or financial career, as her degree offered insights into marketing, management, and finances, with just a touch of programming. However, everything changed when she met two mentors during her studies who recognised her potential and encouraged her to explore front-end development. They helped her see how coding could blend her creativity with technical skills, sparking a passion for bringing designs to life through interactive websites. Determined to succeed, Reni dedicated herself to learning front-end development after graduation, eventually stepping into a junior developer role and rapidly adapting to the fast-paced environment.
In just three years, Reni progressed from junior to senior developer, building over 20 websites independently and contributing to 30 more with her team. Along the way, she’s mentored newcomers, championed collaboration, and challenged stereotypes as the only woman on her development team. Below, she shares the lessons she’s learned to inspire and guide others starting their own tech journeys.
Lesson 1: Dedication Is Key
You won’t always get things right the first time, and that’s okay. Dedication means pushing through frustration and trusting that you’ll find the solution, even if it takes several attempts. Coding is as much about persistence as it is about skill. Each time you tackle a challenge, you’re building confidence and resilience.
If you’re doubting yourself, think about the challenges you’ve already overcome. Those wins are proof of your capability, so trust in your ability to figure it out. Be patient with the process; growth takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it.
Lesson 2: Communication Is Your Superpower
Strong communication skills will take you far in any tech role. Before starting a task, make sure you fully understand the brief and are confident you can deliver the best possible results. Communicate with anyone else involved in the project if and when required to ensure you’re all on the same page.
If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain, speak up and ask for support. It’s always better to voice your concerns and seek guidance than to risk delivering poor results. After all, misunderstandings can lead to wasted time, so being proactive about understanding your tasks, and communicating well with your team, can save everyone effort in the long run.
Lesson 3: Collaboration Builds Strength
Great work often comes from great teamwork. Collaborate with your team and other departments to share knowledge and solve problems together. Tech thrives on collective expertise, so the more you work with others, the more you learn and grow. Be open to feedback and share your own knowledge to help your team thrive. Remember, the best solutions often come from combining perspectives.
Hold collaborative sessions to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and grow together. These sessions provide a safe space to share ideas, address challenges, and celebrate wins. This approach fosters unity and enhances the quality of the work being produced.
Lesson 4: Never Stop Learning
The tech industry evolves constantly, so staying up to date is essential. Set some time aside each week specifically for expanding your knowledge and skills. Whether you’re learning a new framework, exploring accessibility standards, or diving into e-commerce solutions, continuous learning is a cornerstone of success. You can even set up workshops and sessions to teach your team members what you’ve learned and share your skills.
Doing so pays off in skills and confidence, so by dedicating time to staying current, you’ll find yourself ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Lesson 5: Attention to Detail Sets You Apart
In coding, small mistakes can have big consequences, so paying attention to the finer details is vital. Using things like quality assurance checklists can help teams avoid mistakes and streamline testing, ensuring projects meet a high standard before launching.
But, attention to detail isn’t just about catching errors; it’s also about thinking critically about how your work impacts the end user. So, in coding, crafting clean, sustainable code will go a long way. Take pride in the small things, as they often make the biggest difference in your results and reputation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a career in tech or just starting out, remember that everyone’s journey is different. Don’t rush the process. Take the time to learn, make mistakes, and grow. Surround yourself with a supportive team, and never hesitate to ask for help.
Set goals, embrace challenges, and always look for ways to improve. The road may not always be smooth, but with perseverance and dedication, you can achieve more than you ever imagined. Stay passionate, stay curious, and keep pushing forward.