Adele’s Journey to becoming a Web Engineer at Monzo
Sarah Olaifa, a Programme Manager at Coding Black Females, interviewed Adele to discuss her experience of being a community member at CBF.
In the fast-paced world of technology, the journey of a web engineer can be a challenging one, filled with both triumphs and tribulations. One such remarkable journey is that of Adele, a web engineer at Monzo. Adele’s story is not only a testament to her resilience but also sheds light on the importance of diversity and mentorship in the tech industry.
Adele’s journey began in a previous organisation where although the team was very welcoming and supportive, she struggled with imposter syndrome. Despite her talent and expertise, Adele constantly questioned her abilities.
At around 2019, Adele decided to seek out a supportive community that could help her break through these barriers. She discovered the London Black Developers network and later joined Coding Black Females, a group dedicated to empowering black women in tech. These gatherings were simple yet impactful — it was just black women coming together in an office space, coding on their laptops, and sharing their experiences. It was here that Adele met Charlene Hunter, a pivotal figure in her journey.
As 2019 came to a close, the Coding Black Females community expanded its offerings, providing events and opportunities for women to dive into DevOps and other tech opportunities. Adele decided to seize this chance for growth and development, and she did so with passion and dedication.
In 2021, Adele took another significant step in her career by enrolling in a short course focused on technical architecture and leadership. This decision was driven by her desire to become a better engineer and a mentor. Despite her experience, Adele recognised the importance of seeking mentorship herself and overcoming the stagnation that had crept into her career trajectory.
A turning point came in 2022 when Adele embarked on the Monzo Mentorship. It was during this programme that she found an exceptional mentor, John, at Monzo, who saw her potential and encouraged her to apply for a role within the organisation.
The road to Monzo wasn’t an easy one, as Adele had to navigate through four intense interview rounds. At times, she felt the weight of impostor syndrome trying to hold her back, but her Monzo mentor’s unwavering support kept her going.
Finally, Adele’s persistence paid off, and she secured a position as a web engineer at Monzo. Yet, despite her achievements, she still battled impostor syndrome.
This is where my role as a programme manager kicked in, as I encouraged her — to recognise and celebrate her accomplishments.
Adele’s journey has come full circle as she has now applied to become a mentor within the Coding Black Females community.
She understands the importance of mentorship and giving back to a community that helped her find her path in the tech world.
Adele’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring web engineers, particularly women and people of colour who may face unique challenges.
It highlights the significance of supportive communities, continuous learning, and mentorship in overcoming obstacles and reaching one’s full potential in the tech industry.
Adele’s journey shows that while impostor syndrome may linger, it can be overcome with determination, self-reflection, and a strong support network.
If you would like to have a similar opportunity to Adele, sign up for the next cohort of the Monzo Mentor Programme here.
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Overcoming Impostor Syndrome was originally published in CodingBlackFemales on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.