You don’t have to follow a clearly defined career path
When we think about careers in technology, there is often the assumption that you need to have followed a clearly defined path, whether that’s having studied a technical subject or learning to code.
My career certainly hasn’t looked like that. I’ve worked in factories, security, the NHS, training and systems analysis. I’ve moved countries, undertaken programming diplomas, helped establish server rooms, trained people on new software and automated business processes. I’d say it took time for me to work out exactly where I fitted. But, looking back I wouldn’t remove any of those experiences because each one contributed to the technology professional I have become.
Your transferable skills are more valuable than you realise
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that skills don’t suddenly become irrelevant because you change industries. As an example, working in a factory taught me about process. You don’t simply arrive at the finished product; there is a starting point and a series of steps that need to happen correctly to achieve the end result.
And working in security taught me something different: to pay attention and to recognise the consequences of processes not being followed properly.
Of course, neither of these roles may look relevant for following a career in technology, but the lessons I have learnt from both I still use today.
Technology is fundamentally about solving problems. To create a good solution, you need to listen and understand what somebody is trying to achieve. What is their pain point? What needs to happen to get them to the next stage?
Give yourself time to find the right place
I always had an interest in technology. I studied informatics, combining computers and accounting, and later completed a diplomas in programming because I thought coding might be my route into the industry.
But – as I have explained – my career continued to take different turns. While working within NHS training, I became involved in rolling out software and helping people understand and adopt new technology. I saw first-hand something that has today become a really hot topic: people worry that new technology is going to take over their jobs.
That experience taught me that implementing technology isn’t enough. You have to bring people with you.
And I didn’t always take on my subsequent roles knowing everything I needed to. I chose to learn on many of these jobs by asking questions and having knowledgeable people around me.
It was when I later began working as a systems analyst that something really settled for me. I could see how technology could work for us, making everyday roles and processes better. I’d found my niche, but I needed all those previous experiences to get there.
Confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything
I think one of the things that can hold women back from technology is the belief that we need to meet every requirement before we’re ready to put ourselves forward.
What I’ve learned is that it’s OK to say, “I don’t know.” Having the ability and willingness to learn is essential regardless of how experienced you become.
Start with the problem that needs solving and not the technology
For women interested in AI, automation or other emerging technologies, my advice is not to begin by thinking you need to master them. Instead, they should start with a problem they already understand.
For example: they should look at something they do repeatedly and ask if it could be automated?
I’ve approached automation in exactly that way throughout my career. Rather than starting with “I need to learn this technology”, I instead explore what technology could help solve it.
Make yourself and your ideas heard
My latest chapter has brought me to hospitality technology company Lolly, and it’s been an important one.
For me, having a seat at the table matters. I can share ideas, people listen and I can see changes happening as a result.
I’ve also benefited enormously from people who have shared their knowledge and mentored me. That’s something I want to pass on, particularly to other women.
My career hasn’t followed a straight line. However, every role has given me something: process, communication, resilience, commercial understanding or technical knowledge – and I have always tried to make myself heard.
If you’re looking at the technology industry, then ask yourself: what has the route you’ve already taken taught you that technology needs? Perhaps you’ll then realise it is for you and you’ll flourish!
