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Holly Boothroyd
Software engineer, Microsoft
And - Founder, @herhelloworld
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The ability to program is a unique skill that allows you to be able to create the change you wish to see in the world.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
In my role, I program features for Cortana on Windows and Xbox. To deliver robust, quality products to the user, my work involves close collaboration with our in-house designers and international Microsoft teams. During the development process, I have to consider how scalable my solution is as the code that I write will be shipped to over 700 million PCs around the world!
On the side, I am a passionate advocate for women in tech. I help organize and volunteer at Microsoft’s DigiGirlz events that help inspire young girls to enter into technology whilst also teaching them how to program for the very first time! I also help assist teaching web development with Code First: Girls in partnership with Microsoft. More recently, I have created @herhelloworld to reach women (and men) around the world to help support their tech journeys and offer personalized mentorship.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
From a young age, I played video games with my dad. Together we talked about how we would modify the games to include new functionality and improve the gameplay. The ability to create something from nothing sparked my interest in technology and programming.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
It was always my dream to work at Microsoft, so when I landed my first “real” job as a Microsoft Software Engineering Intern on Paint 3D, I couldn’t be more ecstatic. In that role, I was given enormous amounts of responsibility and feature ownership on the product. I feel a real sense of pride knowing that I have contributed to making 3D creation and creativity accessible to all ages.
After Paint 3D, I got to work on Xbox, another life goal. It was an incredible learning experience and fascinating to meet the people who created the products that inspired me join the technology industry. Both of these experiences proved to me that anything is possible.
I moved 5,000 miles away from home and Microsoft HQ, so I had could learn the skills at university that would enable me to work for Microsoft in London and be able to fly 5,000 miles back home to work at Xbox. As long as you keep taking steps in the right direction, you will always be learning, and your goals will be closer in sight.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
In the technology industry, anything is possible. Innovation happens rapidly which makes every day exciting. It is an absolute privilege to use my skills to help improve lives. I wake up excited to tackle new problems and to create something out of nothing.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Working in STEM is an incredibly empowering experience. However, at times it can be really challenging. There will be problems that you will need help with from others and there will be people who underestimate you, but if you have confidence in yourself and follow your passions you can overcome anything.
INSPO / FUN FACT
Besides programming, I love to travel. Meeting new people and putting myself in unfamiliar situations is an incredibly eye-opening and sometimes a very humbling experience. I find that I can better empathize with others now and have a much better perspective on how people live around the world. It reminds me that like programming, there is never just one solution to a problem or one way to live a life.