Victoria Jenkins is Senior Vice President – Data Strategy and Governance Lead at FinTrU. Her interest in technology began at an early age, influenced by time spent in the computer labs at Ulster University, where her mother was a researcher in Artificial Intelligence in the 1980s. With a lifelong passion for puzzles, logic, and storytelling through science fiction and fantasy, Victoria brings both analytical and creative thinking to her work. She thrives on solving complex problems, mentoring others, and championing diversity and inclusion within the tech industry.
Have you always had an interest in technology, and was there a specific person or particular event that led you into your current role?
I’ve always loved complex problems and logic, growing up with puzzle books and watching murder mysteries. I’m also a bit of a nerd, having been raised on sci-fi and fantasy across books, television, and film. As a child, I spent time in the computer labs at Ulster University, where my mother was a researcher in Artificial Intelligence in the early 1980s. I think, subconsciously, this laid the foundations for my later career, even though I explored many other interests along the way.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
There are many aspects I enjoy, from the technical satisfaction of getting a formula right in a programming language, to the ‘soft skills’ side, like explaining complex ideas in a way that helps others align on the best solution. But what I love most is the thought process of analysis: taking a problem, framing it in a way that makes it more approachable, and then working throughto a solution.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
While not essential, one word sums it up: opportunity. Career growth and success often come down to recognising and seizing the right opportunities at the right time. This involves a combination of luck and the vision to see where an opportunity could lead. By building a strong professional network and engaging with industry events, you can maximise the opportunities that come your way.
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
I believe this is the secret to personal development. It doesn’t have to be a formal mentorship - it's about role models. If you find someone (or even several people) you can learn from, take as much as you can from each of them. My career has been shaped by many close working relationships with people from whom I’ve learned everything I know. This takes curiosity, and a mentor who’s willing to put up with a million questions!
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
For those with the right interests and aptitudes, a career in technology can be incredibly rewarding. However, it’s not for everyone - it can be high-pressure, and success often depends on having an attitude of ‘lifelong learning’. It also requires adaptability and a tolerance for rapid change and ambiguity. But if that excites rather than intimidates you, there are countless roles and opportunities in tech, and they’re evolving all the time.
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?
Don’t let that perception put you off. Things are changing, and there are many strong women in the industry today. The only way to keep improving representation is for more women to join us.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
Technology is problem-solving - its raison d'être. And solving complex problems well requires a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. That’s why ‘diversity of thought’ is so important in tech, and the best way to achieve that is by welcoming people from all kinds of backgrounds and career paths.
You don’t need a STEM degree, or even any degree at all, to thrive in this industry. Many roles, such as Business Analysis, Project Management, UX Design, Product Ownership, and more, benefit from skills developed through alternative paths. In my own work, I draw on creative skills just as much as technical ones,something I developed through my background in art and design. If you’re curious, adaptable, and enjoy tackling challenges, there’s a place for you in tech.
Sync NI's Summer 2025 magazine celebrates women in tech across Ireland as we continue to encourage more women to enter the thriving sector and address the current gender imbalance.
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