Women in Tech Week - Melvin Mathew on curiosity, comebacks and letting your work speak for itself

For Women in Tech Week, we are taking the time to celebrate some of the amazing women working here at Rapita. In this interview series, we will discuss why they love working in technology, what drives them, and the challenges they have faced along the way. 

In this blog, we will be talking to Melvin Mathew, Senior Software Quality Engineer, about curiosity, comebacks and letting your work speak for itself.

What first sparked your interest in tech?

I've always been someone who enjoys the satisfaction of achieving something every day. I don't like ending a day feeling that I haven't made any progress. Technology appealed to me because it offers constant opportunities to learn, solve problems, and experience those small successes that keep me motivated and engaged.

How long have you worked in the Technology industry? 
I have nearly 15 years of experience in the technology industry, with the last 7 years spent at Rapita Systems.

How has your role grown or changed since you started in the industry?
When I started my career, I was a nervous project intern with little understanding of corporate culture. From day one, it was a journey of continuous learning. I've been fortunate to work with colleagues who became mentors, teaching me the importance of patience, learning from others, and continually improving myself.

Throughout my career, I've always looked for opportunities to learn and grow. Nearly 15 years later, my responsibilities, knowledge, and confidence have evolved significantly, but I'm grateful that I still have the same curiosity and drive to keep learning every day.

What is your favourite part of working in tech?
My favourite part of working in tech is that there's always something new to learn. After almost 15 years in the industry, I still enjoy investigating difficult problems, improving processes, and collaborating with smart people to build reliable software. The variety and continuous learning are what keep it interesting for me.

"it's important to enjoy what you do because that's what keeps you motivated and engaged. When you love your work, the small personal and professional successes feel much more rewarding, and those achievements build up over time."

What skills do you use most in your role?
The skills I use most are problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, and continuous learning. The one that surprised me most was communication. Early in my career, I thought technical skills were the key to success, but I've learned that collaborating with others, sharing knowledge, and explaining complex ideas clearly are just as important. Above all, curiosity and a willingness to learn have helped me grow throughout my career.

Which project are you most proud of and why?
That's a difficult question to answer because I've genuinely enjoyed most of the work I've done throughout my career. Rather than one specific project, what makes me most proud is the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful outcomes. I'm someone who gets a real sense of satisfaction from learning something new and making progress every day. Whether it's solving a problem, improving a process, or developing a new skill, those achievements are what I find most rewarding. Looking back, I'm proud of how much I've learned and how I've continued to grow throughout my career.

Who influenced your path?
There wasn't a specific person who showed me the path into technology, but there have been people who influenced the way I approach my career and life. One of my favourite teachers always told me that hard work would pay off, and that's a lesson I've carried with me throughout my life. I strongly believe that hard work always pays off, and that mindset has helped me overcome challenges, keep learning, and continue growing in my career.

I've also been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my family. My husband, parents, and sister have always believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my goals. Their support has given me the confidence to take on new challenges and keep moving forward. And, of course, my two sons. Their love and encouragement mean the world to me. They remind me every day why it's important to work hard, keep learning, and set a positive example. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support and belief of the people around me.

What challenges have you faced?
One of the biggest challenges I faced as a woman in tech was returning to work after my first maternity leave. Although both of my maternity leaves were relatively short, returning to work and balancing a new stage of life with my career was a significant adjustment. What helped me through that period was focusing on my work and continuing to deliver results. In the end, it's not other people's perceptions that matter most, it's your work and achievements that speak for you. By continuing to contribute, take on challenges, and perform well, I was able to demonstrate that becoming a mother hadn't changed my commitment or capability as a professional.

Looking back, the experience reinforced my belief that you shouldn't let yourself be defined by labels or expectations. Focus on doing your best work, keep learning, and let your results do the talking.

"Early in my career, I thought technical skills were the key to success, but I've learned that collaborating with others, sharing knowledge, and explaining complex ideas clearly are just as important."

What advice would you give to a young woman considering a career in tech? 
My advice would be to choose a career that genuinely interests and excites you. For me, one of the things I enjoy most about working in tech is that no two days are the same. There is always a new challenge to solve, a different problem to investigate, or something new to learn. I don't think this applies only to technology.

Whatever career you choose, it's important to enjoy what you do because that's what keeps you motivated and engaged. When you love your work, the small personal and professional successes feel much more rewarding, and those achievements build up over time. If technology is something you're passionate about, don't be afraid to pursue it. Be curious, keep learning, and have confidence in your abilities.

What do you think would encourage more women into tech?
I believe that careers today are much less defined by gender than they were in the past. In my own experience, I've always felt encouraged to pursue my interests rather than being limited by stereotypes. To encourage more women into tech, I'd focus on showing how varied, rewarding, and interesting technology careers can be. If someone enjoys problem-solving, learning, and taking on new challenges, then technology can be a great career choice regardless of gender.

Thank you to Melvin for sharing her story. Look out for the rest of our Women in Tech Week interviews over the coming days.