Derbhile Kennedy is the NI Delivery Director at CGI IT UK Ltd.
Here, Derbhile 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 IT UK Ltd 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?
No! I hadn’t specifically intended on a career in technology but had certainly been working towards a career in business. I believe myself to have been fortunate to have taken up a role early in my career in a technology-based organisation as the variety of opportunities in the industry is expansive. It has taught me that you can have a very successful career in an exciting and ever-changing industry whether or not you are a technologist. The right attitude and drive and being able to work with people is critical in this industry.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
Variety. No two days are the same and the role and responsibilities involved are diverse, interesting and challenging. I deal with many different people, teams, organisations and at many different levels. Some days are tougher than others, but it helps being part of a team with a shared drive and ambition and it is rewarding to know that what we are delivering will bring huge benefit to many people in the Northern Ireland community and beyond.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
Everything has its purpose. Building a professional network and attending industry events are very important, however, they are one part of the cog in developing a successful and enjoyable career. I tend to be selective in my approach; building a network and attending industry events that align with my professional and personal ambitions and those of the business within which I work. It is critical to continually evolve and understand what is happening in the industry for our clients and arising technologies and trends that enable them to deliver more efficiently.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Michelle Sherrard, Director Consulting Services CGI
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
Having the right mentor can have a huge impact, but of course you shouldn’t have a mentor just because you feel you should. It is important to have a mentor who can support and advise in areas where it will make a difference to your development. I have found that a mentor helps to keep me focused on things I need to do but struggle to fit into my daily routine. It is easy to become absorbed in the day-to-day delivery of your role, but a mentor helps one to take a step back from time to time and consider, learn, address and progress.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
Technology never stands still. There will always be a wide, diverse and exciting range of opportunities in the technology industry. There are many different areas to get involved in, including cyber security, application development, technical solution design and delivery, HR, legal, finance, operations etc., to name but a few. There are many different roles and opportunities for both technical and non-technical people. The industry offers diversity, opportunity and rewarding and competitive compensation packages.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or return to work but are daunted by the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male-dominated industry?
My advice would simply be to go for it, do not hold back! The industry has and continues to evolve to ensure appropriate representation and parity at all levels. You can engage withpeers, mentors, and networks (e.g. women’s network), that can provide invaluable guidance and encouragement, sharing experiences, and opening doors to new opportunities. The industry needs diverse perspectives and approaches and the vast majority of employers in this industry recognise this. My personal experience has largely been an extremely positive one where value and reward have been based on the expertise and outputs I deliver.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Firstly, I don’t come from a STEM background and can firmly ascertain that there is a vast arrayof career opportunities within the tech sector beyond software engineering. Examples include: business and strategy roles, operations, HR, legal, finance, project management, scrum management, business analysis, business change management, business development, bid management, customer services, service delivery and so much more. Whether you're inclined towards creative design, data analysis, strategic planning, sales or emerging technologies, there's a role for you in tech.
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