I always had an interest in figuring out how things work or solving problems using technology, whether that was through using tech in my job as a sports coach for performance analysis or as a business owner through web design and marketing, I was always utilizing tech and almost subconsciously had an interest in technology and its uses.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
I think the most rewarding part of my job is the problem solving, so everyday there is a new problem or an opportunity to find a better way which keeps the job interesting and allows me to work in teams putting our skills together, brainstorming to improve on existing solutions or find new ones. I like the challenges that brings.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
I have had the opportunity to attend different events within my company and other external industry events, this has been a great way to get a wider view of the various opportunities within the tech industry and to meet numerous people from different roles and companies which is an amazing way to learn and share experiences.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Izzy Gregory, Engineering Manager, Aflac
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
I have been fortunate enough to have a few important mentors within my time in the tech industry, they have been instrumental in me being able to develop my skills and see the value in my transferrable skills from previous work in the sports industry in terms of resilience, problem solving and determination. I don’t think I would have gotten past the first couple of years in tech without them as they are always there to remind me of my capabilities when doubt sets in and to push me to go outside of my comfort zone and expand my capabilities.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
I would tell any young person to always believe they are capable and that a career in technology is not just for one certain type of person or personality, being young gives the gift of time, time to try things out, time to learn, time to fail and time to change direction so don’t overthink something just try it, if its creating a computer game, designing a website, just doing coding puzzles, if you have an interest in anything tech then go explore it and don’t put any limits on yourself.
What advice would you give to women considering a career change or who are returning to work who might be daunted at the prospect of working in what can be perceived as a male dominated industry?
I thought that making a career change to IT was so unrealistic and borderline impossible as it couldn’t be further from having a career in sports, but I said to myself ‘why not?’ and I didn’t have a good enough reason not to try! Being a male or female dominated industry should never stop anyone from considering a career they want whether that is a career in sports, engineering, rocket science, or technology. These are all open to everyone and sometimes that barrier is created by a preconceived notion of the reality but most of the time the only thing stopping us is our own self-doubt and this idea of that industry is not for women or men only helps to add to our endless list of excuses to not step out of our comfort zone and give it a try. ITis for anyone and everyone you just need to follow your gut and be ok to ask for the help when you need it or be ok to answer a question with “I don’t know’ that’s ok too. You will be surprised by how many people are they to tell you that you CAN do it as opposed to the opposite.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Not coming from a STEM background myself I feel like I came into the technology industry looking at everything from a completely different lens. I didn’t have any idea how many different roles existed in IT, I just assumed everyone was a software engineer and sat at a desk coding all day, but turned out it was just one role among many! From non-technical roles like Scrum Master, Product Owner, L&D to other creative roles like Marketing, User Experienceand problem-solving roles in testing and prod support there is a role in tech for a vast array of skills and personalities. There is also the chance to move between these roles from company to company, the skills from one will add to your locker of experience to pull from for another role. There is an endless road to travel in you career through the tech sector if being a software engineer is not for you it doesn’t necessarily mean the Tech industry is not for you.
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