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We’re thrilled to share an inspiring interview with Rūta Jančytė, brought to you by our partners and friends at Telia. As Telia’s Technology People Partner, Rūta is instrumental in connecting top IT talent with the right opportunities. Her work spans impactful projects that touch thousands of lives in Lithuania and foster growth for hundreds of high-level specialists. With nine years of experience at Telia, Rūta combines expertise and passion to navigate the dynamic, challenging, and ever-evolving world of human resources, making her an invaluable asset to the tech industry.

You have a fascinating role as a People Partner at Telia. Can you tell us more about your responsibilities?

At Telia, we have a vibrant and diverse community of around 1,000 colleagues working across IT and technology, spanning roles from programming and data analytics to UX design digital marketing, e-commerce, quality assurance testing and network engineering. My role as a People Partner is to support this talented team by coordinating key HR processes like performance evaluations, goal setting, development planning, and engagement surveys. I also lead initiatives aimed at increasing internal promotions to leadership roles by identifying key competencies and offering targeted development opportunities.

Data analytics plays a crucial part in my work, enabling informed HR decisions, alongside consulting employees and managers. Additionally, I address unique challenges, like helping teams adapt during the pandemic or improving psychological well-being during the war in Ukraine. Supporting such a dynamic group makes my role both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your role at Telia?

The most fulfilling part of my role is creating meaningful change and supporting growth. I’ve contributed to improving processes, enabling business transformations, and helping colleagues adapt to new challenges. Seeing team members grow, whether within Telia or in new roles, is what makes my work truly rewarding.

What are some of the most interesting projects you can highlight?

A key project for our division is the development and expansion of the 5G network. Another highly visible product is Telia Play, a television streaming service that offers a unique opportunity to work on a product used by my family and friends, allowing for quick and personal feedback.

Our IT systems management team is also part of one of the largest transformation programs in Lithuania, digitizing processes to enhance efficiency. A standout moment was supporting the NATO Summit by setting up workplaces, providing connectivity, and ensuring cybersecurity—an impactful and rewarding experience.

How do you select candidates for IT teams? What values and qualities do you prioritize?

At Telia, we are guided by our core values: Dare, Care, Simplify. We look for people who are bold enough to take responsibility, care about their colleagues and customers, and seek ways to simplify and accelerate decisions. Strong willingness to learn and adapt to change is especially important.

Telia has been a long-standing supporter of the Women Go Tech initiative. Why is this important for the company?

We believe that diversity drives innovation, and Women Go Tech perfectly aligns with this value. The tech field is incredibly broad, with opportunities in UX design, product management, digital, data science, and more—areas where women can bring unique strengths. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire women to see their potential and take confident steps into the tech world.

What message would you give to women considering a career in technology?

Surround yourself with a supportive network. There’s power in knowing that others have walked this path and are cheering for your success. Believe in yourself. The tech world thrives on diverse perspectives, creativity, and drive, and your unique contributions are more valuable than ever.