- We recently sat down with Rockbot software engineer Nicole Wallace to learn more about her and her career. From the highs of innovation to the realness of imposter syndrome, Nicole shares her story. Read on as we explore the ins and outs of creativity, problem-solving, and what makes the tech community tick.
Who is your favorite musical artist and why?
My favorite musical artist is the band Joyce Manor. Their way of songwriting consists of lyrics that are very raw, unfiltered, and authentic. Their music has stuck with me throughout many chapters of my life. What sets Joyce Manor apart for me is their ability to distill complex emotions. They have a song for every mood I am in and listening to Joyce Manor is a cathartic release. I’ve had the chance to see them live a few times, and I can’t wait to see them come to the Bay Area again.
My favorite movie is Big Fish directed by Tim Burton that is based on the novel by Daniel Wallace. Big Fish transports me to a world of whimsical storytelling showcasing the duality of reality and fantasy. The film’s portrayal of the father-son dynamic makes me think about the relationships I have in my life and the legacy we leave behind. This film reminds me how important the power of imagination is and that the bonds we have with the people in our lives shape who we are.
What are your favorite projects to work on?My favorite projects to work on are those that demand creativity and problem-solving. I enjoy being able to work on projects that require finding innovative solutions to problems. I also find great satisfaction in projects that have a positive impact on the user experience of our products.
Who are some of your role models in your field?While I don’t have a single specific role model in my field, I've had the privilege of connecting with a wide range of individuals in the tech community. Being in a diversified industry and being able to continually learn from my peers from different backgrounds is what I love most about being in tech.
What do you like most about being a software engineer?What I love most about being a software engineer is the power to create, innovate, and solve real-world problems through code. It's an ever-evolving field that challenges me to constantly learn and adapt. I love being in a profession where I have the opportunity to explore a wide range of technologies and have no limits.
What is your favorite part about working at Rockbot?I love the people and the culture that Rockbot has. I am fortunate to work with creative and innovative individuals not only within my direct team, but throughout the company. Rockbot creates a collaborative environment where I am able to voice my opinions and make decisions that are valued.
What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?The most exciting part of my career journey has been the continuous learning, growth, and being able to think creatively. Every project and challenge has been an opportunity to push myself and see my efforts come to fruition. These moments of accomplishments have fueled my passion for what I do. They serve as a constant reminder of the meaningful contributions I can be a part of. I have already seen the difference in myself compared to who I was as an engineer last year and I am excited to see how I continue to grow.
What has been the most challenging part of your career so far?The most challenging part of my career, especially in these early stages of being a software engineer, has been navigating through moments of imposter syndrome. In a field that's constantly evolving, it's easy to second-guess myself especially as I am my own biggest critic. However, I've learned to combat this by celebrating even the smallest wins and taking challenging times as learning opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience working at Rockbot or your career in general?I couldn’t have found a better place to start my career in software engineering than at Rockbot. I’ve been able to work on various projects and have been exploring more technologies. Rockbot allows me to explore my interests and have growth opportunities personally and professionally. I am grateful to be given an opportunity to be a software engineer here and this experience has solidified my passion for this career. I am excited to see my growth in the years to come and to continue to contribute to our product.
Interested in joining the Rockbot team? Check out our careers page!
