Celonaut Spotlight: Milica Lalić, Software Engineer

For the past two years, Milica Lalić has been making her mark as a Software Engineer at Celonis. We sat down with her to discuss her journey from studying electrical engineering in Serbia to building a career as a software engineer in Munich.

She discusses breaking into the tech industry, the importance of teamwork, and how companies can better support women in tech. Her story is filled with valuable insights, relatable moments, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in this dynamic field.

Milica Lalić

Software Engineer

Celonis

What has your career journey looked like, and what are some of your personal interests outside of work?

I studied electrical engineering at the University of Belgrade (Serbia) with a strong focus on system control theory and signal processing. In 2019, I decided to move to Munich, where initially I worked as a software engineer in the field of autonomous driving. After I found my current position at Celonis, I have been focusing more on databases and process intelligence. Since the start of my professional career, I have mainly been working in the software industry and my main goal has been to improve my knowledge in the wide field of computer science. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, either in person or over calls. I also like running, cycling, and swimming. Additionally, I love watching movies and have rekindled my passion for reading, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Did you (or do you) have a role model in engineering or tech in general?

I don’t have a single role model in engineering. My family members work in social sciences and linguistics, but in my childhood home, math puzzles were valued as much as reading novels or learning about psychology. This perspective helped me see STEM as interesting and accessible. If I had to choose one person as a role model, it would be my first physics teacher. An extremely energetic and super organized lady whose dynamism and drive I always remember fondly.

How did you land your current role? Was it planned?

It wasn’t studiously planned. I moved to Germany just before the COVID epidemic and was hesitant to enter the job market due to economic instability and doubts about my skills. In 2022, I finally found the courage to apply to several companies, breaking down many of my misconceptions. I discovered it wasn’t as hard to get interviews or offers as I had feared. Out of the offers I received, I chose Celonis. The main reason was the people. The interviewers impressed me with their technical knowledge, respectfulness, and friendliness, giving me the sense that the team was full of ambitious and talented individuals. This gut feeling turned out to be correct. Today, I find a lot of inspiration in my colleagues, particularly those who remain calm, rational, and respectful in stressful situations, balance work and personal life well, and always find time to help others despite their own responsibilities.

What qualifications have you found most useful to hold as a member of the engineering team?

Good technical knowledge is beneficial, but in this fast-changing field, the willingness to learn new things is even more crucial. Staying humble and accepting that mistakes are inevitable is important; even the most experienced engineers make errors as it’s often hard to be aware of every single aspect of the problems we are trying to solve. Effective communication has definitely made my life easier—frequently asking questions rather than dwelling on a problem for too long has been key. Even if you think your questions might seem “stupid,” talking to colleagues, especially when stuck, helps you feel less isolated and allows you to pick up valuable tips and tricks. Good preparation is key: check your sources, use logic, and think analytically, but don’t expect perfection. Acknowledge that task complexity varies for each person based on their background, experience, and knowledge. Respectful discussions are essential; one rude and disrespectful person can destroy team cohesion. To sum it up, the most important qualifications in my opinion are the willingness to learn, using your logical and analytical skills, communicating well and being respectful.

How can companies support women in the tech community better and how does Celonis continue to develop your career?

We’ve all heard of situations where a male colleague gets credit for a female colleague’s idea, or where women are excluded from “casual” exchanges or meetings, even if they’re involved in the project. Women in tech often feel their work is less noticed, valued, or paid compared to their male counterparts. Some issues are more noticeable than others, but all can significantly impact a female employee’s satisfaction and willingness to stay. Companies can improve this by raising awareness of these issues rather than sweeping them under the carpet. Building a positive and inclusive company culture, with clear and enforced values, is essential. One example could be having a careful interview process and making sure that the candidates fit well – not only from the technical-knowledge point of view but also from the perspective of their values. There must also be a strong leadership style that must encourage specific positive behaviors, influencing the entire workforce. At Celonis, I experienced a thorough screening process and found inspiring coworkers along the way. Celonis also has our “Women&Allies@Celonis” BRG that hosts events focused on women in tech, demonstrating their commitment to addressing differences and inequalities in the industry.

You can read more about our Women&Allies@Celonis BRG here.

👩‍🚀 Milica Lalic joined Celonis in July 2022 as a Software Engineer in our PQL Engine team. She graduated from the University of Belgrade with a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She likes to spend her time in environments with plenty of learning opportunities and is passionate about testing her capabilities to learn and adjust in this IT world. In her free time, she likes all things pop-culture - searching for new books, movies or music, and of course, tries to keep healthy with a dash of sporty activities.

Mimi Fraser-Andrews

Intern Employer Branding and Talent Marketing

Mimi Fraser-Andrews is a Talent Acquisition Marketing intern at Celonis. Based in London she completed her degree in Anthropology from the University of Bristol in 2022. Passionate about storytelling and showcasing the vibrant culture at Celonis, Mimi collaborates with employees to celebrate their successes, explore their daily experiences, and capture what it’s like to be part of Team Celonis.