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Spotlight Series: Milica Lalić, Software Engineer, Celonis

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ARTICLE SUMMARY

Milica Lalić explores her experience as a female Software engineer. Discussing role models, career advice and how companies can further support women in tech roles.

Milica Lalić Has Been Working As A Software Engineer At Celonis For The Past 2 Years.

I studied electrical engineering at the University of Belgrade (Serbia) with a strong focus on system control theory and signal processing. In 2019, I decided to move to Munich, where initially I worked as a software engineer in the field of autonomous driving. After I found my current position at Celonis, I have been focusing more on databases and process intelligence. Since the start of my professional career, I have mainly been working in the software industry and my main goal has been to improve my knowledge in the wide field of computer science. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, either in person or over calls. I also like running, cycling, and swimming. Additionally, I love watching movies and have rekindled my passion for reading, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you (or do you) have a role model in engineering or tech in general?

I don’t have a single role model in engineering. My family members work in social sciences and linguistics, but in my childhood home, math puzzles were valued as much as reading novels or learning about psychology. This perspective helped me see STEM as interesting and accessible. If I had to choose one person as a role model, it would be my first physics teacher. An extremely energetic and super organized lady whose dynamism and drive I always remember fondly.

female software engineer

 

How did you land your current role? Was it planned?

It wasn’t studiously planned. I moved to Germany just before the COVID epidemic and was hesitant to enter the job market due to economic instability and doubts about my skills.  In 2022, I finally found the courage to apply to several companies, breaking down many of my misconceptions. I discovered it wasn’t as hard to get interviews or offers as I had feared. Out of the offers I received, I chose Celonis. The main reason was the people. The interviewers impressed me with their technical knowledge, respectfulness, and friendliness, giving me the sense that the team was full of ambitious and talented individuals. This gut feeling turned out to be correct!

Today, I find a lot of inspiration in my colleagues, particularly those who remain calm, rational, and respectful in stressful situations, balance work and personal life well, and always find time to help others despite their own responsibilities.

What qualifications have you found most useful to hold as a member of the engineering team? 

Good technical knowledge is beneficial, but in this fast-changing field, the willingness to learn new things is even more crucial. Staying humble and accepting that mistakes are inevitable is important; even the most experienced engineers make errors as it’s often hard to be aware of every single aspect of the problems we are trying to solve. 

Effective communication has definitely made my life easier—frequently asking questions rather than dwelling on a problem for too long has been a key learning. Even if you think your questions might seem “stupid,” talking to colleagues, especially when stuck, helps you feel less isolated and allows you to pick up valuable tips and tricks.

Good preparation is key: check your sources, use logic, and think analytically, but don’t expect perfection. Acknowledge that task complexity varies for each person based on their background, experience, and knowledge. Respectful discussions are essential; one rude and disrespectful person can destroy team cohesion.

To sum it up,  the most important qualifications in my opinion are the willingness to learn, using your logical and analytical skills, communicating well and being respectful.

How can companies support women in the tech community better and how does Celonis continue to develop your career? 

We’ve all heard of situations where a male colleague gets credit for a female colleague’s idea, or where women are excluded from “casual” exchanges or meetings, even if they’re involved in the project. Women in tech often feel their work is less noticed, valued, or paid compared to their male counterparts. Some issues are more noticeable than others, but all can significantly impact a female employee’s satisfaction and willingness to stay.

Companies can improve this by raising awareness of these issues rather than shoving them under the rug. Building a positive and inclusive company culture, with clear and enforced values, is essential. One example could be having a careful interview process and making sure that the candidates fit well – not only from the technical-knowledge point of view but also from the perspective of their values. There must also be a strong leadership style that must encourage specific positive behaviors, influencing the entire workforce.

At Celonis, I experienced a thorough screening process and found inspiring coworkers along the way. Celonis also has our “Women&Allies@Celonis” BRG that hosts events focused on women in tech, demonstrating their commitment to addressing differences and inequalities in the industry.

female software engineer

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