Her Story
About lamis
Lamis Ghoualmi serves as a Senior Software Analyst and Data Engineer at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has spent 13 years in the IT field, focusing on data analytics, engineering, and AI, and was recently promoted to her senior position after three and a half years in the role. Ghoualmi earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and a PhD, and previously worked as an assistant professor in her home country in North Africa before relocating to the United States nearly seven years ago. She values the flexibility of her university position, which allows her to balance professional responsibilities with family time, and she has experience mentoring students in their career development.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with lamis
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It's not about skills, it's about resilience. Like if you feel that you, if you believe in yourself. You will get it, but you don't have to give up, so this is the main thing. People, you know, usually they get, you know, a rejection, oh, I'm done, I'm not good for this, but no, it's the rejection who... who give you the later acceptance, so... Resilience is the key. And, like, as women, we have, you know, this Down syndrome, we always feel less... Especially in IT, compared to, you know, men, But, believe me, it's not... It's not like this, but you have to be confident, this is the main thing.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities are plentiful if you work hard. As a woman and mom, the challenge is balancing career with family time and kids' school needs, plus travel to home country to see parents. University offers flexibility and vacations which is valued over high-pressure roles like at Microsoft.
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