In this installment of #PayPalChats, we wanted to speak to the people who keep the technology at PayPal running efficiently. And who better than Diana, a senior software engineer in PayPal! Diana’s job includes coding, project management and looking into PayPal compliance. Sounds super geeky right?!
Diana has been with PayPal since late 2011, and joins over 30 female engineers here in Singapore. When she’s not innovating or thinking of ways to make PayPal’s tech better, she enjoys gardening and travelling.
1.What is the best part about your job?
As part of my job, I get the opportunity to work with PayPal-ers around the globe. It’s fun to share experience and learn from each other.
2.Engineering tends to be a male-dominated space. What’s it like being a female engineer in this space, and at PayPal?
It’s been perceived that engineering tends to be a male-dominated space. However, I am seeing more and more young talented women join PayPal. We have few initiatives in PayPal, which help women thrive in PayPal, e.g. Unity and WIN (Women Innovative Network). They periodically organize events like inspiring fireside chats with technology leaders and “ladies potluck” sessions where we get to have some fun and showcase our culinary skills.
3.What is the most exciting thing you’ve worked on at PayPal?
I think that has to be when my team and I were entrusted to build a Compliance dashboard – NodeJS web application, used to guide PayPal customers in completing their compliance obligations such as updating personal information, submitting government-related documents (passport, driving license). The NodeJS application currently serves PayPal customers across approximately 90 countries.
Working on NodeJS, I had to keep challenging myself and I was surprised when I realised that the limits I had set myself were all surmountable.
4.With you being such a techie, we would love to know what are some of your #techhacks?
·Use incognito mode in your browser while purchasing items online, especially air tickets. If not, prices are likely to increase the more you revisit the same item.
·Need a sound system? Make DIY speaker by placing your mobile in a cup.
·No Internet? Not a problem. In Chrome’s error page, press spacebar to start the T-Rex game.
5.What are the top three mobile apps you can’t live without?
PayPal, WhatsApp and Chrome. These applications are a part of my lifestyle and help me do everything from shopping to communication, and better browsing!
6.What do you use PayPal for, and what was the last thing you bought using PayPal?
I use PayPal for most of my online transactions. Recently, I used it for to shop for groceries at RedMart which leaves me completely hassle-free.
7.What is your advice to female engineers entering this space?
Be confident and focus on what you love doing.