BORN IN WORTHINGTON, KIRSTY DUTHIE IS AN AMBITIOUS GRADUATE DATA ANALYST AT EXPERIAN.
She has worked at the company for the past six months after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc degree in chemistry. She was part of the first generation in her family to attend university, and the first in her family to enter a career in data.
HOW DID YOU LAND YOUR CURRENT ROLE? WAS IT PLANNED?
During my university placement, I worked for the chemicals company AkoNobel in the Innovation Team developing new paints for the European market. I realised that I didn’t enjoy working in the labs, but loved the data analysis of the paints!
I was nervous that a data company wouldn’t want someone with a chemistry degree. But, when I saw the opportunity at Experian come up, I was excited at the prospect of training with such a large data company.
DID YOU (OR DO YOU) HAVE A ROLE MODEL IN TECH OR BUSINESS IN GENERAL?
My dad is an engineer at Rolls Royce. He was the one to initially spark my interest in science.
My second cousin Angela has been on the Board of Directors for multiple different companies and I find the variety of things she is involved in, alongside her impressive work ethic, truly inspiring.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER, SO FAR?
I’m already training my peers about how to use the database we use every day.
WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE WORKDAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
I like to start early so that I can finish early. Analysing data takes up most of my time, but it’s also my responsibility to check if there’s any issues in scheduling or any additional investigations needed for client specific queries.
I also have one-to-one catch ups with members of my team, where we talk through any issues I’m having with my data analysis and conduct second checking for best practice.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS OR TRAITS THAT YOU NOTICE COMPANIES LOOK FOR WHEN YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR ROLES IN YOUR FIELD?
I think in general the main thing most jobs look for is a genuine passion for what the role will involve and to demonstrate how much you want a career in that field.
HAS ANYONE EVER TRIED TO STOP YOU FROM LEARNING AND DEVELOPING IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE, OR HAVE YOU FOUND THE TECH SECTOR SUPPORTIVE?
My team is predominately made up of women, which is amazing to be part of. My managers and mentor are always pushing my development.
At school, however, I struggled with certain subjects and was less supported. For example, I was told that I’d ‘hit my maths limit’ and wouldn’t progress any further. In the end though, despite failing my AS levels, I passed my BTEC and got really good grades in my chemistry degree.
HAVE YOU EVER FACED INSECURITIES AND ANXIETIES DURING YOUR CAREER, AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Imposter syndrome set in from the moment I accepted my job offer. On my first day, I was nervous and doubted if my skillset had prepared me for the role.
I’m still not 100% there, but looking back, I’ve realised what I’m truly capable of and how much I’ve achieved in the last six months. I’m already becoming a specialist, and that’s super exciting!
ENTERING THE WORLD OF WORK CAN BE DAUNTING. DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR ANYONE FEELING OVERWHELMED?
My best advice would be to find your people. No matter how much you feel like you’re the only one feeling overwhelmed, there is always someone feeling similar.
Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you’re here for a reason.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER WOMEN WANTING TO REACH THEIR CAREER GOALS IN TECHNOLOGY?
Even if you have to be the first woman in that room, and you’re absolutely terrified, you can still take the step.
