Art Teacher to Db2 Consultant - My journey to the Mainframe

My journey into Mainframe started with a single IBM punch card.

Despite once living behind the Iron Curtain, where access to personal computers was impossible and the TV had only 2 programs chosen by the government, I eventually made it to being a Db2 consultant.

Along the way I graduated with a Masters in Art, I taught at schools in Bulgaria, and rediscovered a lost longing to work in Information Technology.

Join me in this session where I explain my journey into becoming a Mainframe consultant, and prove that anyone can make it in this industry, whatever your background!

Attachments

3H Attachments

Speakers

Elitsa Popova at BMC Mainframe Services

BMC Software Inc. (2021 – Present) Associate Consultant (Mainframe z/OS Db2 DBA)

Junior full stack web developer (2020 – 2021)

Intern Product Developer (2018)

GSE UK Conference, Whittelbury Hall (2017) IBM Panel member, The Future.Ready()Mainframe. Client success stories of finding fabulous, young new Z talent.

IBM Master the Mainframe, now IBM Z Xplore (2017) Part 3 finisher, Wall of Fame. IBM MtM Advocate digital badge.

University of Bedfordshire (2016 – 2020) B.Sc. (Hons), Computer Science and Software Engineering with Professional Practice year. Grade 1st. Activities and societies: Chair of Bedfordshire Enterprise and Mainframe Society.

St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. (1996 – 2000) Master of Arts, Drawing and Painting. Grade 1st. Certified teacher of drawing and painting.

Email: elitsa_popova@bmc.com