bloom: Lobna Sabri
Perseverance and authenticity in the IT world
Company: Flexso
Job title: SAP technical consultant
In the IT world, Lobna Sabri impresses with her perseverance and authentic approach. As a young talent at Flexso she has found a path where she can be herself, break preconceptions and inspire others. Today she shares her story - a powerful message for anyone considering a career in technology, regardless of gender or background.
A private path to IT
Lobna's journey into IT did not begin with a conscious passion, but came about by seizing opportunities and following her curiosity. During high school, she first chose "accounting," partly on the advice of her father and a teacher who "didn't want to overload her.
"You're 12 years old and totally not focusing on what you want to do later as a job. My parents made me take the direction they thought was the best choice for their child: not too hard, not too easy." In fourth grade, she chose to add computer science as an elective. "I had never programmed before, but I wanted to show that I could do it, even to myself. My teachers encouraged me in that."
"I had never programmed before, but I wanted to show that I could do it."
After graduating from high school, Lobna was at a crossroads: choose IT or an economics major. Her fascination with technology won out, and she confidently chose a future in IT.
"The stability and future prospects gave me confidence," she says. "I made a very logical choice, not based on emotions, but on facts. In addition, the campus was close by, something that was a plus for my parents who were very concerned about me. Afterwards, it turned out that I had found my passion. IT is particularly close to my heart."
Being confident and authentic
What was it like to step into an IT field as a woman of immigrant background? "I lived by the principle of 'ignorance is bliss'for a long time," laughs Lobna. "I totally didn't realize that IT is a man's world. I find it easy to make new contacts and belong to a group anyway. Besides, the men around me have a modern mentality; they never said I wouldn't succeed."
"Also my parents have never said that the direction of IT is something for boys. They are always concerned about me, though: they don't want me to do something that is too difficult or that makes me drop out. If it's too difficult, you can always do something else, they always say. So I never felt reluctance, because I knew I was always allowed and could change my path. Moreover, I have a fairly large number of female relatives who are highly educated and continue to study. So I have never heard in my family and background that women don't need to study. Because of that, it's also very normal for me."
"My authenticity turned out to be my greatest strength. I don't have to conform to traditional images in IT to contribute something valuable."
During her first work experience at consulting firm Flexso, Lobna discovered that her authenticity is a great asset.
"As a woman from an immigrant background, I may be different from many people in this industry, but it was precisely by using my own qualities and personality that I found my niche. My authenticity turned out to be my greatest strength. I don't have to conform to traditional images in IT to contribute something valuable."
Flexso's inclusive culture as a foundation for growth
Lobna got to know Flexso as a student at a LAN party the company organized for students. There she turned out to be the only woman among the participants. "Two of my teachers worked at Flexso. One of them told me that a LAN party was being organized, where, among other things, we could get to know Flexso better. I was anything but a gamer, let alone had ever participated in a LAN party," Lobna laughed. "I wanted to get to know the company and make an impression."
"I am Muslim and was fasting at the time. Pizza was ordered for the students so I asked if I could heat it up and eat it later. No one looked surprised at that."
From the beginning, Lobna felt welcome at Flexso to be herself. "I am Muslim and was fasting at the time. Pizza was ordered for the students so I asked if I could heat it up and eat it later. No one was surprised by that. On the contrary, everyone opened up and was interested in the tradition of fasting and culture. It was a super pleasant evening."
Lobna opted after that evening for an internship at Flexso and then seized the opportunity to start her career there. For her, the warm and open atmosphere is crucial for her professional development. The collegiality and accessibility encourage her to take on challenges and develop new skills.
"At Flexso, I feel valued for who I am. The inclusive work culture encourages me to push my limits, take on challenges and in the process already make mistakes without fear of judgment," she explains.
The power of reflection
This security is also much needed for Lobna, because in the transition from study to work, her perfectionism came very much to the fore.
"Despite the fine peer support, the perfectionism with which I went through my studies sometimes became an obstacle. After a few months, I noticed that I found it difficult to balance work and private life as a result. This was not due to the job, but to my own attitude."
"My ego takes the upper hand less now.
Quite the way she is, Lobna decided to take on that too as a learning experience. To find better balance, she enlisted the help of a life coach when she was 21.
"Thanks to the coaching, I know it's okay to ask for help and not to have to do everything perfectly right away," she says. The coaching gives her practical tools to stay resilient and develop herself both professionally and personally. "I am constantly and eagerly learning, but thanks to coaching I have the tools to not put too much pressure on myself in the process. My ego takes the upper hand less now," she adds.
"Just do it!
Lobna wants to encourage other young women, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, to pursue their dreams. "Just do it. It's better to regret something you tried than something you failed at," she says powerfully.
"Just do it. It's better to regret something you tried than to regret something you failed to do."
She acknowledges that sometimes the barriers can seem high, but stresses that taking action is the only way to discover what you can really handle. Her choice of IT has given her the strength to shape her own future.
Role models: a future full of possibilities
Lobna has no traditional role models in the IT world, but rather her peers and family inspire her to follow her own path. She sees the growth others around her have experienced as a reminder that nothing is impossible. "The inspiration I get from those around me is valuable. My family and friends have taught me to persevere and set my own course."
"Stay yourself, share your story, and don't let expectations or prejudices hold you back."
With her authentic approach and positive attitude, Lobna shows that the IT world is a place where everyone, regardless of gender or background, can find their own way. She stresses the importance of an environment where you are valued for your unique contribution. Her message? "Stay yourself, share your story, and don't let expectations or prejudices hold you back. The future in technology is one of opportunity, and it's open to everyone."
Thank you to Flexso For supporting women in tech. 🤗 Interested in more stories at Flexso?
Check out the list of IT stories at Flexso here! Or interested in an internship?