Meet The Aptoiders: Ana Lara, Head Of Android Development
The Meet The Aptoiders series rolls on, as we continue to feature members of the international Aptoide team who are leading change in their respective fields, and helping shape the future of Android and mobile technology.
Today we introduce you to Ana Lara, a leading woman in a typically man's world whose background in Mathematics took her on a ride throughout the world studying the science behind numbers. A software developer at heart and a math geek, Ana Lara has been toying with numbers and code ever since she can remember. Read on to learn more about Ana Lara.
1. Hi Ana Lara! Tell us about yourself. What's your background and what brought you to Aptoide?
Hello! Well, as far as I can remember, I have always been more into science related subjects rather than languages and philosophy. This eventually lead me to apply to a Mathematics Degree at IST UTL. In college, I started programming and got super excited about it, hence why ever since I finished my degree a few years ago, I’ve worked as a software developer not only in the “Android world” but also in the aeronautic industry. Last year, I came across a job opportunity at Aptoide and I didn't have to think twice.
2. You have a background in mathematics and statistics. How did you get started in the world of Android development?
After a couple of years developing software, I realised that I would like to deepen my knowledge and to live abroad for a while, so I applied for a MSc in Computer Science. During this time, I learnt and used object-oriented languages, such as Java, so when I finished my MSc, I did a job interview for SAPO, as at the time they were growing their Android development team. I got the job and the rest is history - for 6 years I worked on several Android apps about sports, cinema, payments. This was actually the first time in my life that I could tell my non-engineer friends what I did for a living and they were able to understand! :)
3. You're the head of Android Development here at Aptoide. How does it feel being a leading woman in a typically man's world?
Well, I have no idea what it is to work in a typically woman’s world, because I've never worked with many women before. Since I started college the percentage of men was always much higher than women. And this percentage got even higher when I started to work. My co-workers are great, so no complains here! Just a piece of advice: you better keep up with Benfica and football in general! (jk!) Plus, I have a friend who works in a typically "woman’s world" and he hates it, so I guess I'll be alright.
4. What are some of your favourite and least favourite things about working with Android?
My favourite thing easy: Android is an open source system, and therefor it is always open to improvements. Consequently, lot has changed since Cupcake, so you really need to stay on top of things. Another positive consequence is that there are thousands of developers, creating millions of apps; so as a user, you have access to a huge diversity of apps. As a developer, it is easy to make your app available to everyone, and you can upload your app onto a store like Aptoide - and that's one of my favourite things about Aptoide itself, the fact that it allows developers from all grounds to distribute their apps on such a big platform.
Now, there aren't many things I don't like about Android, but there's a huge range of Android OS versions that we need to support, because vendors don’t update their devices at the same pace. Also, there’s a big diversity of screen sizes and densities that we need to take into consideration. Those are some of our biggest challenges.
5. What's the most important piece of advice you could give to someone starting out in Android development today?
My advice may sound cliché, but in this industry, you either love it or you'll absolutely hate it. So, love what you do, and try to keep up with the new trends of the mobile world. Be aware that there’s lots of changes everyday. Remember 15 years ago, when we used to use our phones to make calls? Not anymore.
Would you like to join our big family and work with us?
Funny you should ask, 'cause we're hiring! Come join us or tag someone below you think would be a good fit! Check out all our job openings and get in touch with us.