21st Century Women Technologists: Paula Taboada
We introduce you to our colleague Paula. Convinced sportswoman, this woman from Lalín (Galicia) settled in Vigo, works as a researcher and developer in the Advanced Communications department at Gradiant. Master of Telecommunications Engineering by Universidade de Vigo, Paula is an avid reader and lover of classic and thriller films. In addition, of course, she is an inveterate lover of traveling and discovering new cities and cultures. Be careful! Her favourite sports include weights and powerlifting.
What did you want to do when you were younger?
Interestingly, when I was younger I wanted to be an archaeologist… I always watched documentaries and series related to archaeology topics because it caught my attention, especially the Egyptian culture. In school, although I was good at all subjects, I always had a predilection for mathematics and science.
Why did you choose technology for your future?
As I grew up, and especially when I got to high school, I got to know more the technological subjects and as I went deeper into them and the world was becoming technological; my curiosity was growing so that when I had to choose. I have always chosen the more technical subjects instead of the scientific ones.
Where did you plan to do your career? Why?
I wanted to study in Galicia, I did not care where, but as in our region, the only School of Telecommunications Engineering is located in Vigo… so, I ended up studying here.
What are you currently working on?
I currently work as a researcher and developer in Advanced Communications, specifically my line of work focuses on signal intelligence.
What do you like most about your job?
The freedom to develop my work and the possibility of learning new things every day. This job allows me not only to develop ideas and systems already studied and proven, but also I can investigate new things and soak up all the knowledge that my colleagues give me. It also gives me the possibility to be myself who guides my learning.
Who is your feminine reference in tech world?
I do not really have a technological reference, but if I had to choose someone, it would be Jude Milhon, since not only because she close many mouths showing that the Internet is not a male network, but also she always defended the active participation of women in technology, and in concrete in the network.
What would you say to the technologists of the future?
My message is especially for women who want to study technology (although it is fine for both, men and women). What I would say is that they must not afraid to do what they like if they have the possibility of doing it, since dedicating your life to something that motivates you and makes you happy means that you are not wasting your time.
