An interview with Fathima Asmat, Solutions Architect at CTI Digital

Back in 2024 on International Women’s Day, we spoke to our Drupal Tech Lead Fathima Asmat, to get an insight into her career in tech.

This year, we thought we’d revisit and republish that interview, with a few additional questions to explore what Fathima has been working on in the two years since.

Hi Fathima. Tell us about your career path – how did you end up in your current role?

Fathima Asmat: Driven by a passion for software engineering, my academic pursuits commenced with a BSc in Information Technology and eCommerce at the University of East London, culminating in the attainment of a First Class (Hons) degree. Following this, I embarked on a professional journey, beginning as a junior PHP developer within the realm of eCommerce retail.

Subsequently, my career pathway took a decisive turn towards specialisation in CMS development. This progression entailed navigating through roles ranging from mid-weight developer to senior developer, with each role serving as a stepping stone towards assuming the mantle of Tech Lead and then Solutions Architect.

As such, I’ve focused on creating solutions that are not only effective for a current project but are also strategically designed for future reusability across various endeavours. In these roles, I have had the privilege of spearheading numerous high-profile and intricate projects, collaborating closely with a proficient team of developers.

What motivated you to pursue a career in tech?

FA: I have always been fascinated by the limitless possibilities that technology offers to solve real-world problems and improve efficiency.

From an early age, I found joy in creating and experimenting with software. The ability to turn lines of code into functional and innovative solutions captivated me. As I delved deeper into the world of software engineering, I realised its transformative potential to shape the future.

This motivation, coupled with a genuine curiosity to understand the intricacies of programming languages and system architectures, led me to pursue a career in software engineering. I am driven by the continuous learning opportunities, the dynamic nature of the industry, and the satisfaction of contributing to the development of web solutions and open source community.

Last time we spoke, you were transitioning to a role as a solutions architect. What have been your highlights over the last two years?

FA: The transition has been an incredible journey of professional growth. My biggest personal highlight has been the shift in my own confidence; I’ve fully embraced the Solutions Architect role and the high-level decision-making that comes with it.

On the project side, launching a recent project was a standout moment. It was a heavily complex build with demanding architectural requirements and multiple integrations, but the team performed brilliantly, and the resulting architecture is something I am very proud of. 

A real highlight for me has been working on technology-agnostic projects. Moving beyond the limits of a single domain or platform has allowed me to focus on the best possible solution for the client, rather than being restricted to one specific stack.

Are there any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional growth? How have they impacted your career?

FA: I have a few mentors who have significantly influenced my personal and professional development.

I would like to highlight a couple of mentors from the Drupal community who are particularly relevant to my current role at CTI. Matt Glaman and Kristen Pol have played a pivotal role in inspiring me with their passion for contributing to the Drupal.org community. Their continuous dedication to knowledge-sharing through blog articles, documentation, and active participation in community events has been invaluable.

They serve as stepping stones for many beginners in Drupal development, providing essential support and fostering a sense of community. Their influence has been instrumental in guiding and motivating many individuals, including myself, to make meaningful contributions to the Drupal ecosystem.

Can you describe a particularly rewarding or memorable experience in your career journey?

FA: Rather than highlighting a specific moment, I find that every time a project successfully launches, and we receive compliments from the client, it becomes a memorable experience in my career journey.

Such occasions provide a significant boost to strive for more in the future. Simultaneously, instances of failures and mistakes also hold memorable value as they serve as invaluable lessons. They offer insights into areas for improvement and help in avoiding the repetition of mistakes in subsequent projects.

What skills or experiences do you believe have been most crucial to your success in your current role?

FA: I believe that my success in my current role can be attributed to my rapid learning abilities, logical thinking, attention to detail, and passionate commitment to solving complex problems. Additionally, a strong work ethic has played a pivotal role in contributing to my achievements in my career.

Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your career moving forward?

FA: I want to continue pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve through robust, scalable architecture. Given the busy nature of my work, I’ll be honest - I don’t get as much of a chance to contribute to the open-source community as I used to, but maintaining those roots is still very important to me.

Moving forward, I want to prioritise exploring the wide range of new developments in the technology world. My ambition is to continue evolving as an Architect, taking on increasingly complex global challenges.

Alongside this, I remain committed to mentorship; I am passionate about guiding the next generation of developers as they navigate their own unique paths within the industry.

What advice would you give someone starting out in your field or considering a similar career path?

FA: Prioritise both your career and personal development. Avoid stagnation by exploring every opportunity within your field. Continuously expand your knowledge, stay abreast of the latest trends, and seamlessly integrate them into your work.

Have there been any moments in your career where you had to make sacrifices? If so, how did you navigate those decisions?

FA: I have experienced moments in my career where I had to make sacrifices, particularly as a working mother. The perennial struggle revolves around the guilt associated with not being able to devote quality time to my children. While our efforts are dedicated to ensuring their well-being, there remains a sense of unfulfillment lingering in the back of my mind.

One of the most challenging sacrifices was leaving my infant babies at the daycare nursery after maternity leave to resume work. This experience brought about irreplaceable heartache and marked a significant sacrifice in the realm of motherhood.

Navigating such decisions requires a delicate balance between professional responsibilities and the emotional toll they take. It involves constantly reassessing priorities, seeking support where possible, and acknowledging the resilience needed to navigate the challenges inherent in being a working parent.

How do you prioritise self-care and well-being amidst the demands of your career?

FA: Similar to many, I initially encountered challenges in establishing a work-life balance and prioritising self-care. As a predominantly remote worker, it can be challenging to set clear boundaries between work and personal life.

After careful consideration, I recently transitioned to a four-day workweek schedule. This change has yielded positive outcomes in my life, allowing me to allocate a dedicated day for myself. This arrangement enables me to focus on my health, practice self-care, and enjoy my free time more effectively.

Can you share a meaningful piece of advice or insight you've received that has had a lasting impact on you?

FA: I received meaningful advice from one of my co-workers, who shared that navigating the tech industry as a woman is not easy but requires practice and perseverance. The insight emphasised the importance of voicing my opinions when necessary, highlighting that suffering in silence won't contribute to success. This advice has proven to be invaluable in my professional experience, guiding me to assert myself confidently and address challenges proactively.

Lastly, what do you do outside of tech to unwind?

FA: Family is everything to me. Since transitioning to a four-day workweek, I’ve been able to find a much better balance. That extra day is dedicated to my children and my own well-being, which is essential for avoiding burnout in such a fast-paced industry.

Whether it’s focusing on my health, practising self-care, or just enjoying quality time with my kids, those moments away from the screen are what allow me to come back to work with fresh energy and a clear perspective.