In this episode, we are in discussion with Ayesha Mahmood. She is the Manager People Operations & Development at Arbisoft. The majority of her experience is in the software HR side, though she has worked in classical HR as well. She is also a mother of two kids, and alongside that she’s managing the department, developing a product, and much more. Watch as we talk about what makes someone suitable for a job in a software company, insider tips on how to get hired as a software engineer, and potential for women in the tech industry.

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Chapters: 

0:00​ - Intro 

1:10​ - How did you end up in HR in a tech company? 

2:45​ - How is HR in tech different from other industries? 

6:55​ - Differences between Software engineers and other engineers 

8:05​ - Traits that lead to a job in tech, based on Ayesha’s vast experience 

15:25​ - Hiring process at Arbisoft 

19:20​ - Fresh graduate hiring process 

23:35​ - Which universities are preferred for fresh graduate hiring? 

25:29​ - Traits of A-players 

28:47​ - Importance of communication in a tech career 

32:20​ - Self taught programmers or people from other fields 

33:55​ - Does university and/or GPA matter? 

40:50​ - HR interviews and red flags to avoid 

46:40​ - Tech as a career for women in Pakistan 

49:49​ - Flexible hours for women 

55:10​ - How do you manage work and life 

1:01:10​ - Is there opportunity in Pakistan? 

1:05:10​ - Closing thoughts