Michelle Sherrard is the Director Consulting Services at CGI.
Here, Michelle sits down with Sync NI to take part in the Tech Trailblazer challenge, discussing her pathway into a career in tech, what a day in her life looks like, and why CGI is a great company to foster growth and develop talent.
Have you always had an interest in technology, and was there a specific person or particular event that led you into your current role?
Yes, I’ve been interested in technology since the moment a BBC Micro was wheeled into my P7 class (showing my age here!). That spark continued throughout secondary school, where I studied GCSE Computer Science and A-Level Computing. I was fortunate to have an enthusiastic computing teacher who really brought the subject to life (thank you, Mr Gribben!), as well as a supportive father who bought me my first Amstrad PC in 1989.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
I enjoy the variety of work – no two days are ever the same. I get to collaborate with a wide range of people and companies, which keeps things interesting. One aspectI enjoy most is meeting clients and helping them solve problems through IT solutions.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
I believe building a professional network and attending industry events are incredibly important for career development. These opportunities not only help you stay on top of industry trends and emerging innovations but also offer fresh perspectives and valuable learning from peers. Networking can open doors to new opportunities, develop partnerships, and support long-term career progression. For someone in my role, it’s also essential to stay informed about both global and local markets— and engaging with peers and thought leaders at events is a great way to do that.
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How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
As a mentor myself, I think it can really help someone starting out in their career to build confidence and broaden their perspective. I didn’t have a mentor early in my career, and looking back, I can see that it would have been really beneficial to me, and I may have made fewer mistakes. That said, making mistakes isimportant too, because I find I learn more from failures than successes.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
There are so many roles to choose from in technology, and one of the great things about the industry is flexibility - you are not tied to a single career path. The tech landscape is ever-changing, so you will never be bored in an IT career. The pay levels are generally good, and many of the skills you develop are highly transferable. So even if you decide to pivot and do something completely different later in life, you’llhave built a solid foundation to support that move.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or return to work, but who are daunted by the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male-dominated industry?
I would say - go for it. The tech industry is no longermale dominated, and that outdated perceptionis something we need to changefor those‘outside’the sector. Lots of companies, like CGI, actively work to attract women into the industry, offering support and training to re-enter or change career, coupled withflexible working conditions for all our employees to enable a good work/life balance.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
We rely heavily on supporting roles such asFinance, Project Management, Legal, HR andMarketing, so a non-STEM background should not deter anyone from a career in IT.
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