What challenges did you have to overcome to get your foot on a career path in technology?
Learning to dust off rejection and keep forging ahead. Appreciating my own qualities and knowing that I have something to offer and that everybody has a right to move ahead in whatever career path they choose.

In your experience, does being a woman in your profession come with extra challenges that you have had to overcome?
I have learnt to focus on the end goal and not side attractions. I do not see my gender as a reason to feel at a disadvantage in my role.

What’s been the single thing that has helped you with your career in technology?
I have good mentors that I continue to learn from in my role, people in the team who are knowledgeable and willing to transfer that knowledge on.  Our regular Customer Success days are also valuable sessions where we get to learn from each other, where we collectively show use cases and how these could be used in a value conversation with the client.

The fact that we can openly dialogue and feel part of the conversation has been embracing. The time put in to learn does pay off.

There are always lightbulb moments which means a continual learning journey!

What changes have you seen in the sector since you started working in technology?
I have seen a couple more colleagues move into this sector over the past few years and more women in senior positions.

What would your advice be to any woman wanting to start her career in the technology industry?
Go for it. The only person that can stop you is yourself. Be willing to put in the time to learn as continuous learning is required. Align yourself with positive voices that have experience in the field that will guide and encourage you.

Do you think it’s important for more women to find career paths within the technology sector?
I believe people should do what feels right for them as individuals. But not feel it is a man’s world as that is not the case.

Do you think enough is done to help women get into the technology industry? If not, what would you recommend?
There are a lot of initiatives available online encouraging women into tech and there is certainly more awareness than before. Many women are now taking top jobs in this profession and their willingness to talk about how they progressed in the field is a positive thing.  However, whilst things are significantly different from 10 years ago, I believe more can always be done and that’s down to all of us, irrespective of gender.