Cat Martin is a Senior Technical Product Manager at Apex, where she combines her passion for problem-solving with her interest in trading and investments. With a background in ecommerce and customer success, Cat transitioned into product management with the support of inspiring mentors and now helps deliver impactful solutions at scale.
Cat shares her journey with Sync NI, discussing the power of mentorship, the wide variety of roles in the tech sector, and why the industry offers exciting opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
I’ve always had an interest in technology but I spent the early part of my career working in the ecommerce side of the music industry. When I moved into the software industry, I started in a Customer Success rolebut worked closely with two very strong female Product Managers who inspired and supported me to move into Product.
What would you consider to be the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of your job?
What originally drew me to Product Management is what I still find most rewarding about the job – the ability to solve customer problems at scale.Working at Apexis a particularly great fit for me as we build the software that powers stocks and shares platforms, and I’ve always had a personal interest in trading and investments.
In terms of career development, how important is it to build a professional network and attend industry events?
To advance within your own company, you need to have good visibility. Networking with colleaguesoutside your immediate team provides that. Whilst I don’t think networking within the wider tech community isabsolutely essential, it does help you to stay on top of industry trends and learn from industry experts. Personally, I attend Women in Tech and Product Management networking events.
READ MORE: Tech Trailblazer: Natalie McCorkell-Walsh, Senior Platform Engineer, Apex Financial Solutions
How much impact can a mentor have on your personal development?
Mentors are invaluable, particularly if you’retrying to make a career change or trying to advance in your existing role. It would have taken me a lot longer to move into Product Management and then start advancing in my role if I didn’t have strong leaders mentoring me.
What guidance would you offer to any young person on why they should consider a career in technology?
Strongly consider it because there are endless opportunities in technology. You could be the person building the technology that powers your favouriteapp, website or video game. You could even help to solve the world's greatest challenges by working in ClimateTech or HealthTech.
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?
Yes, technology is male-dominated but don’t let that play a role in your decision-making. There’s a place for everyone in the tech industry and you’ll be surprised how many transferable skills you’vebuilt up in your career.
For those who may not come from a STEM background, what other career opportunities exist within the tech sector beyond software engineering?
There are plenty of non-engineering roles - Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Customer Success, Programme Management, Operations, Compliance, Legal, or even my role, Product Management. Most jobs that exist in other companies also exist in tech companies.
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