Hutchison Gave Caroline Kyle ’15 the Confidence to Dive into Software Engineering

What skills did you develop at Hutchison that you now use in your career?

The foundation I built at Hutchison continues to shape how I approach my work and navigate challenges in my career. I always felt I excelled in both math and language courses, and coding provided a unique way to combine those two strengths. Math helped me think logically and analytically, while my language skills enhanced my ability to communicate clearly and break down complex ideas—both essential in software engineering. In addition, Hutchison fostered my collaboration and problem-solving abilities. Working in teams and tackling challenging problems taught me how to think critically and cooperate effectively with others, which are key components of my role today. 

The teachers at Hutchison also played a significant role in my development. They fostered classrooms that encouraged us to speak up, share our thoughts, and engage in discussions. This environment not only built my confidence in expressing ideas but also nurtured a mindset of continuous learning and openness to new ways of thinking. The emphasis on exploring different perspectives and creative problem-solving has had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges in my career today, especially in the ever-evolving field of software engineering, where adaptability and fresh ideas are crucial.

What is a typical day for you?

The day begins with the morning daily standup or Scrum call, where everyone shares updates on what they worked on the previous day and their current progress. After the standup, I typically dive into coding new features or fixing bugs. This could mean writing fresh code, reviewing design documents, or exploring the existing codebase to implement new features. Lately, our focus has been on expanding the application to new business markets, particularly in countries across Central America. Throughout the day, I also participate in code reviews, where I either review other team members’ code or submit my own for feedback. These reviews are crucial for maintaining code quality, adhering to coding standards, and sharing knowledge across the team. If I have a new feature I’m excited to show, I usually discuss it with a lead engineer during this process.

As an instructor of software engineering courses and mentor to junior engineers, what motivates you to do this, and why is it important to you? How has mentorship played a role in your career?

Teaching is one of the most effective ways to truly master a concept. Explaining something to someone else forces you to break down complex ideas into simpler, more digestible parts, which in turn deepens your own understanding. This process benefits not only the learner but also sharpens my skills.

Mentorship, for me, is equally important because it provides a unique opportunity to observe how others approach problem-solving. Watching junior engineers navigate challenges often introduces fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking that I might not have considered. It’s a reciprocal process—while I guide them, I also learn from their creativity and approaches.

Mentorship has been a significant part of my career, fostering a culture of learning and collaboration. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who played key roles in shaping my growth as an engineer, and now, I aim to give back by helping others develop. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone progress from struggling with a concept to mastering it, knowing that I contributed to their journey.

As a woman in computer science, is it common for you to be the only woman on a team or one of a handful? Did attending an all-girls school prepare you for this?

As a woman working in computer science, it has been a mixed experience. Currently, I’m fortunate to be part of a larger team with several women, which is a refreshing change. However, in the past, I’ve been on smaller teams where I was often the only woman. In those situations, the skills I developed at Hutchison proved invaluable. Attending an all-girls school taught me how to speak with confidence and ensure my voice is heard in any professional setting, regardless of gender dynamics.

The all-girls environment at Hutchison fostered a strong sense of empowerment. It provided a space where women could excel in traditionally male-dominated subjects, like math and science, without feeling overshadowed. This experience gave me the confidence to step into male-dominated teams in the tech industry and hold my ground. The collaborative and supportive environment at Hutchison also helped me develop leadership and communication skills that have been essential in my career, allowing me to contribute meaningfully, regardless of being the only woman in the room.

How did your Hutchison experience help you get to where you are today?

Hutchison provided an environment where I could explore my interests freely and confidently. Hutchison’s focus on collaboration and problem-solving laid the foundation for my interest in technology, and the supportive, empowering atmosphere gave me the confidence to dive into the world of software engineering later on. Through these experiences, I discovered that coding was a way to connect my analytical mindset with creativity, which is what ultimately led me to pursue this career.

Beyond academics, Hutchison instilled in me the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Outside of work, I’m passionate about riding my bike and competing as a cyclist, and I’ve been able to excel not only in my career but also in hobbies like training for cycling events. Hutchison helped me cultivate the ability to balance my professional ambitions with my personal passions, allowing me to thrive in both areas without compromising one for the other. This well-rounded experience gave me the confidence and skill set to thrive in both my career and personal pursuits.

Perhaps most importantly, Hutchison fostered an environment that encouraged me to speak up, share ideas, and be open to different perspectives. The emphasis on creative thinking and learning in new ways has carried over to my approach to software development, where innovation and adaptability are key. This well-rounded experience gave me the confidence and skill set to thrive in both my career and personal pursuits.