Some might think that creativity and analytical mind don’t go hand in hand. But they couldn’t be more wrong. Iskra Rizkovska, Red Hat Certified Linux System Engineer, is a living proof, that when you have your goals set out and you don’t let the obstacles distract you, you can have the career of your dreams. What led her from a project management position to a tech-oriented role? What’s the key to her success? And why does she like to participate in events like Perspektywy Women in Tech, where she acts as an educator and mentor for women? Find out! 

When did you become interested in developing your career in the tech world? 

I’ve been interested in the tech world forever, but my first desire was to start working in the banking industry. Fortunately, I realized quite early it was not a path for me, and I went to study project management at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering & Information Technologies in Skopje. It was there I started thinking about having a career in the tech world. 

So, would you say your education is connected to what you do right now? 

Yes and no. Thanks to my master's degree a lot of doors opened up for me, and I had a chance to try many different areas of expertise before I got to system administration. But it wasn’t until a couple years ago that I discovered Linux and got on my current career path. 

What or maybe who initially drew you to this particular operating system? 

I was lucky to have a great manager that guided me in the right direction for Red Hat Technologies. His support was invaluable for a tech-beginner like me. Before I started the Linux journey, I had enjoyed my position as a project manager, earning the respect of my team for effective communication and building strong client relationships. Moreover, I’ve always been curious about the inner workings of projects: What specific skills do IT specialists have? My supervisor noticed that and asked me about my favorite parts of technical work. After a short discussion, they suggested I should try Linux. The position of Linux Administrator had just opened, and I decided to take a risk and apply. I got the job, and that’s how my adventure with this system began. 

Are there any milestones that led you to your current position as a Red Hat Linux engineer?  

For sure my knowledge of the German language was a big factor in the projects I was assigned to. In some cases, I didn’t have as much experience as other candidates, but the fact that I could effortlessly communicate with international clients gave me an advantage. What’s more, since I’ve begun working in Linux, I never stopped educating myself. A big step in my career was when I got my first official certification. For me it was a personal achievement and for the clients proof of my competencies. 

Have you faced any setbacks or, on the contrary, enormous support due to being a woman in the technical field?  

I definitely experienced a lot of support from other women in my industry. It helped me to gain more confidence and not give up when the road gets hard. Especially at the beginning of my career, I noticed double-asking questions during recruitment meetings, but now I feel that I have proven myself more than once and no one doubts my competences anymore. I always give my all to every project I'm involved in, and I consider this to be one of my greatest strengths in my perseverance. When I set a goal for myself, I don’t get discouraged by setbacks. My main philosophy in life is to always move forward and learn from the mistakes I make along the way. That’s what gives me the feeling of personal and professional growth. 

You are also very active when it comes to public speaking, especially at a female-driven events. Have you always thought about becoming a mentor/speaker for women? 

That opportunity came to me later in my career. At the start I wasn’t even considering that someday I could be somebody's mentor. But as I’ve mentioned, the more confidence in myself I got over the years, the more I wanted to share my experiences and knowledge with others. And the offers for public speaking and mentoring sessions came to me at the perfect time. I can see that my story of moving from a non-technical position to a technical specialist is an inspiration to a lot of women and young professionals. It gives me great motivation to move forward with my plans. 

And do you have a personal mentor? Someone who helps you navigate the tech world? 

I can’t list just one person. To me everyone I interact with can bring something new and exciting to the table. I’m an open person, so it’s not a problem for me to ask for guidance or help when it's needed. I usually get it from my Teammates. In my opinion we have a great relationship, based on trust and reliability.  We are also each other's biggest motivators. But I must mention that I owe a lot of my success to myself. I didn’t let anybody get me down, or convince me I can’t do something, just because it hasn’t been done before. I feel like with my self-esteem and my Coworkers at NATEK friendly approach, we can reach any goal as a Team 😉 

It's great to hear that you enjoy working at NATEK! What made you join our Team and #workITwithus? 

For me it was all about flexibility. Even though for now Linux Engineer is my favorite job I’ve ever had I like to explore many different options for development. My current interest is Python language. NATEK views this as an opportunity for the organization to have a well-qualified Team Member, and not as an obstacle in running a Linux project. I can see myself growing here, because I get the support I need and the space to do it. I’ve been working here for almost a year, and it’s been a great time for my career. 

What would you say is the part of your job that you enjoy the most? 

The troubleshooting which doesn’t happen every day but always keeps me curious. Like I’ve said, I’m a fan of learning from one’s mistakes, so to be able to work on as many projects as I do in NATEK (a couple a year) and constantly learn something new is a great joy! Linux is a very forgiving tool, and for every issue there is a solution. I get so much experience in short periods of time, which for me has a big value. 

And what do you like to do in your free time? Are there any passions that also influence your professional life? 

I have memories from throughout my life of me and my family regularly going to art galleries, and exhibitions. Art has always been an important part of my life, and I love to create my own pieces whenever I have the time and inspiration. I like to experiment with different textures, colors and materials, to never bore myself. And I can see that this creative approach is visible also in my work, even when I am setting up the terminal in Linux with different colors. I also think my imagination helps me in coming up with original solutions to most problems, which my Team greatly appreciates. 

It was your first time at Perspektywy Women in Tech Summit. You even run your own workshop! What are your thoughts on the event? 

It was great to witness such diversity in one place. People of all ages, professions and personal backgrounds – what an inspiring event! I was a bit nervous before my workshop, worrying about the tiniest details, but in the end, I was very satisfied with the result. The students were responsive and engaged in the lesson, they asked insightful questions and some of them even stayed after the meeting to chat with me more about each other's work or studies and experiences. That’s why I view events like Perspektywy Women in Tech as a great opportunity not just for learning, but also networking. You can’t be sure you will meet in such a place and what kind of effect it will have on your career. 

I’ve been to other similar events before, but this is by far the biggest one and I am very glad I was invited to it. I also recommend it to anyone who is thinking about having a future in the world of IT, technology and science. I will make sure to visit again next year. 

It's great to hear you’ve got to meet so many interesting people and help them realize their potential! What do you think are the next steps for your own career? 

When you work in technology and IT it’s hard to predict the future. Right now, I am focusing on the Python language and looking for available ways of automating the processes in Linux. But I cannot confidently say that this is what I will be doing in a couple of years. I am still searching for new ideas and solutions, and with our industry moving so fast, who knows what tomorrow brings? But I am excited to find out! 

Last but not least, are there any final advice you’d like to give to women who want to try their strengths in IT, but are afraid of failure? 

First and foremost – be curious. Look around and ask questions, because inspiration and answers can come from anywhere. It also helps you to realize new opportunities for development and meet interesting people along the way. Second, believe in yourself. You should always be your best motivator and cheerleader. Remember to be forgiving in low moments, because we all experience good times and bad times. Last but not least – don’t let anybody else tell you what you can and cannot do. If you have a dream or goal, go for it. If it’s something that truly brings you joy, and satisfaction don’t give up just because the road got a bit rocky. Focus on your strengths and surround yourself with kind people. Success will come! 

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