Written by the team at Version 1
On the back of International Women's Day 2020, Version 1 sat down with Orlaith Kelly, an agile business analyst in their busy Version 1 Northern Ireland offices, to discuss being a woman in tech and to learn how she broke into the IT industry.
Hi Orlaith, thanks for your time today. Can you tell us about your background and what drove you to get into tech?
I’m originally from County Derry and studied Economics with Finance at Queen’s University Belfast. When I was in my final year I heard about the Deloitte Consulting Graduate Programme and thought this would fit my interests in regards to working on a range of projects and with different clients. The Programme was brilliant for client experience, training and the opportunities I was afforded.
I got into working as a Business Analyst by accident! After I realised my strengths and interests lie in working directly with clients to identify their issues I was keen to partner with Development teams to come up with a practical solution to meet their needs. Since then I've been lucky enough to work in NI, the UK and Australia building my experience across clients and projects. Each client, business and project is different which keeps me challenged and interested.
Fantastic! And what in particular do you enjoy about your role as an Agile Business Analyst?
My role at Version 1 is currently sees me working directly on client site. I work directly with the business, with my Development team and other Delivery teams. I work as part of a fantastic specialist GIS team; this means we have the opportunity to get involved with a lot of interesting and challenging projects that have a real impact on what the business offers to its customers. As we work under an agile delivery methodology, I love seeing the projects initiated, developed and delivered from start to finish. I also have the opportunity to learn so much from experienced technical colleagues.
From a Version 1 perspective, I have been given fantastic opportunities to develop both technically and professionally, as well as encouraged to reach out with new ideas and get involved with the wider business. I have also had great mentors that encourage and advise me when needed.
It sounds like you're embracing every opportunity coming your way, well done. Have you ever encountered any bias or barriers as a woman in tech?
As a woman in tech I am used to being the only woman in a meeting, but have never seen this as a disadvantage or experienced any bias. I feel I am lucky that there are plenty of great female role models leading the way in Version 1 Belfast that support each other and encourage everyone to develop and further their career.
That's great to hear. What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in the field?
My advice to young girls considering a career in tech is to go for it! Tech doesn’t have to mean coding; there are plenty of opportunities and career paths that exist that can cater towards those with creative interests, problem-solving mindsets and also - of course - those with technical interests too. Once you get into the industry there is so much opportunity to learn and develop your own pathway based on your interests.
You were recently shortlisted for Young Person of the Year at the Digital DNA Awards - congratulations! Tell us about how you felt to be nominated?
I was honestly very surprised to be shortlisted! It’s great to be appreciated for the work you do, especially as the client team I work with are fantastic at realising good work and giving recognition.
Well, our fingers are crossed for you. Where do you see the future of tech going in Northern Ireland - are there any developments you're excited about?
It’s a great time to work in the NI tech scene. NI is fast becoming a hub for tech services and delivery and has been recognised globally for the people we produce. The education institutions work together with some of the larger employers to develop specific courses that meet their skills shortages, meaning we are always at the forefront of what the industry is asking for.
There is a massive amount of innovation going on and great investment opportunities to drive growth further on cutting edge technologies across all industries and sectors. I’m excited to see what happens in the next few years and how Version 1 will be involved! There's sure to be exciting times ahead.
Located in Cromac Place, Belfast, Version 1 Northern Ireland was crowned "IT Company of the Year 2019" at the Belfast Telegraph awards. They are hiring for multiple technical roles at present; you can view their open opportunities here.
