Real IT Stories

Doriana Allyn

Environmental Health and Safety Senior Manager, Brother International Corp., U.S.

I am accountable on a daily basis for Brother International’s corporate-wide environmental, health and safety programs — including the company’s Environmental Management System ISO14001 certification for Brother Americas, which includes all Brother U.S. and Latin America locations. I participate in global environmental working groups in the creation of unified action plans.

I like meeting people from around the world. Traveling provides the opportunity to learn and contribute to a vast array of subjects related to both work and home.

Environmental laws change rapidly, and it’s a challenge to apply them to the company’s operations and already complex products. On top of that, I develop communication and trust between the company and the environmental function of our other locations and operations, which are in and outside of the United States. I participate in various relationship-building opportunities and add value to those served.

Cassandra Anderson

Director of Channel Sales, Chrexendo, U.S.

I stumbled into the technology industry when I was working at an adolescent drug rehab center. We needed new phone and computer systems, and in working with the local phone installer I realized the technology fascinated me. The provider noticed and asked me to come on board as a customer trainer. I made the switch and after 18 years — and so many wonderful positions in the technology industry — I have never looked back.

I find the ever-changing world of technology fascinating. There are always new products and concepts to learn and share. I have the opportunity to help businesses improve and to make a difference. Women bring new perspectives to technology and business, and I encourage women to look at technology as not just technical, but as a creative way to bring solutions to individuals and companies and to change the world. We can make change — one solution at a time.

Jean Mork Bredeson

President, Service 800, U.S.

When GE offered me a field tech job, I was surprised. I hadn’t fixed computers before, but a quiz they gave me said I could do it. I took the job. When I went through their training, I was surprised again. Working with the tools and the equipment was much easier and cleaner than I’d thought, and the fixes were more like solving puzzles than getting into something dirty, heavy or dangerous. One of my managers told me that he wished all of his techs were women because they’re much more patient and accurate — and much better with customers.

I was a field tech for some time and soon I was a supervisor. The hands-on experience I had with the products and the interactions with the customers really helped me understand the business. I got more promotions and eventually started my own company, still working with break/fix and other services.

I often think how easy it would have been to not consider that first break/fix job. Once I learned that break/fix is more about understanding products and how people use them, taking a logical look at how to solve a problem and communicating well with customers, I was off on a career that I’ve loved.

Grace Brederson

Technical Consultant, Protiviti, U.S.

I am a technical consultant for the midsize consulting company Protiviti, a subsidiary of Robert Half Technology. I work on projects for companies that have a business problem or want to implement a new system. It can be more efficient to those companies to bring in outside, experienced people instead of training employees or hiring new staff.

When I joined Protiviti, I didn’t have all the skills or know all the systems, but my company helped me learn along the way. The way I think and the way I work with people have been the most important things I bring to my job.

Variety is one of the best parts of consulting. I get to learn and work on different things, and no two days are ever the same. It’s a great way to experience different organizations, projects, industries, company cultures and even roles within a team. The variety is especially good for those in technology because the movement between companies and industries means they can work with and learn about all kinds of new technological innovations. Technical consulting has been a great career so far. I look forward to a fun and interesting future in it.

Pauline Brown

Service Operations Manager, IT Services, University of St Andrews, UK

I never meant to end up in job in IT — but I love it! I’ve worked in many other environments, but this is, by far, the toughest. No two days are the same. It’s complex and it’s always changing. For me it’s not about the actual IT kit — it’s about understanding the business we support — and delivering a solution that transforms how they work. IT should be an enabler. Too many people see it as a barrier, because it confuses and frightens them.

I’m responsible for front line IT support. Let’s face it: People don’t contact IT because everything is going brilliantly! They get in touch when they’re stuck, confused, pulling their hair out. My team has to know a little about a broad range of IT, but the most important attributes are in communication skills. They have to be patient, friendly, tolerant problem solvers and ready for anything. Fortunately, they are!

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is taking on IT apprentices. Over the last four years we’ve hired 15 IT apprentices in different roles on two-year contracts. I love that we can train, mentor, inspire and motivate young people right at the start of their career in IT.

In August, we were named Microsoft Apprentice Employer of the Year 2016 in recognition of the positive work we do in this area. All IT apprentices have secured permanent IT roles at the end of their contract. I’m really proud of that.

Kristin Burns

Digital Asset Manager, VP Membership for Women of AT&T, NY Chapter, U.S.

My career path has not always followed a traditional straight line but has branched out through new people and experiences.

I came to technology via art school, where I learned photography and filmmaking. After moving to New York City after graduation, I moved from documentary film to dot com companies as a photo editor. Those start-ups provided an amazing environment to learn new technology since the fast pace meant we all had to pitch in to meet deadlines. In an effort to streamline our organization of photos, I stepped out of my creative bubble to work with IT to learn about asset management.

I am now the digital asset manager of our company's online asset library which house over 30,000 images and is accessed by over 2,000 users. My aim is to provide a single source of truth to help our creative partners, external dealers and the rest of our growing family make successful designs.

In addition to my daily work applying metadata and developing our site, I am the vice president of membership for the New York chapter of Women of AT&T. I encourage women interested in pursuing a career in IT to include membership in employee resource groups within the companies they work or in their location to meet other women in technology as potential mentors.

Angela Chan

Channel Marketing, APC by Schneider Electric, Australia

IT was an industry I simply stumbled upon. After uni, I attended plenty of hackathons and fell in love with technology: the speed of how it evolves, the way it influences our lives, and the benefits it brings to simplify processes and help those in need. For these reasons I moved from events, festivals and food industries to technology PR.

The best part of my job is that I know I am making a difference to the way we live — not only now but making a mark on the future. For the women out there considering careers in IT, we definitely need it. We bring fresh thinking, new perspectives, and renewed energy.

My advice: make a difference.

Lisa Compton

Channel Sales Manager, Crexendo Inc., U.S.

My career path has not always followed a traditional straight line but has branched out through new people and experiences.

I did not pursue a career in IT — rather, I found a company that I liked what they were doing and the direction they were going so I left my other company and started working for Crexendo in the marketing division.

I started working with the VP of Channel and started to get more involved with the channel and really liked working with the partners. That’s when I decided that I wanted to work in the channel but not only the channel but in the IT industry as my now boss shared her passion about the channel and the industry with me and I just knew it had my name written all over it.

The best part about what I do is that I get to work with partners and people who have been in the industry for a long time so I have the opportunity to learn and grow with them and through them which in turn helps them and their customers so I would say that is the best part of what I do — I get to grow and learn as well as help my partners and their customers consume technology that will help improve their business abilities and help them boost their bottom line.

I really like having the ability to learn the technology but not only learn it but learn how to apply it within a company to help them improve efficiencies and save money most of the time — technology is such a powerful resource that when used correctly can really take power and help grow a company in so many different ways and I love being able to be a part of that.

My advice to other women thinking about pursuing a career in IT is to go for it and jump in feet first as it is the way of the future and is a way to help people and improve their lives from a different perspective.

TC Culberson

Business Applications Manager, Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services, U.S.

I am a double oddity in the geek world: a woman software developer with a degree in Asian history. My ability to translate between my geek team members and the end-users sets me apart and is a fundamental part of my career.

In administrative positions after college, I taught myself advanced word processing and database management, automating several offices before moving to coding when the opportunity arose.

After six years of implementing PeopleSoft as a road warrior for Fortune 500 companies, I took a job at Comcast, designing and implementing internal business use software, combining process automation, web portals and making complicated reporting requirements easy to read.

As a business applications manager, I’m in charge of all of the enterprise software for Northern California Presbyterian Homes and Services, a nonprofit that manages over $90 million annually to provide housing and services for the people we serve.

Melody Culton

Corporate Counsel, Brother International Corp., U.S.

As corporate counsel for Brother International, I provide all legal support for assigned business and operation divisions, including IT. I prepare, review and negotiate various contracts for such divisions, including contracts with IT distributors and resellers, plus service and product vendors, including SaaS. I research, advise and recommend actions to be taken to comply with applicable IT laws for such divisions, including environmental regulations and IT security standards.

I work closely with the company’s IT business and operations personnel to achieve efficient and effective resolutions to any legal or business IT issues that arise. All the projects that I work on are different, so nothing is routine. Sometimes the line between a legal issue and business issue is unclear, and it’s difficult to balance the risks. At these times, it’s helpful for me to have that relationship with IT because it helps me be a part of the IT business discussion so that all risk factors can be considered.

Lauren Evans

National Sales Operations Manager, Staples, Australia

I am responsible for the daily management of the sales operations for Staples Technology. I made the switch from finance to technology approximately three years ago. The part of my job I enjoy the most is supporting our sales people to excel and be the best in their roles that they can be. I do this by reviewing and refining process and working collaboratively with our sales associates and managers.

I would strongly encourage woman to pursue an IT career. It is challenging yet extremely rewarding to be a part of a solution that had the ability to dramatically change the way business operate.

Laetitia Fortescue

National Partner Manager, NEXTDC, Australia

National Partner Manager, NEXTDC, Australia

The best part of my job is being able to make a difference in people’s lives. Being able to meet new customers and understand their business challenges and guide them along their uncertainties to better and more effective solutions.

I love how technology is always evolving and changing and how thinking out of the box is welcomed with open arms. There’s always opportunity for growth and learning in this industry and the opportunities are endless.

There are not many women in IT and I think there should be more of us, my advice is you have to believe in yourself and follow your heart. Passion and perseverance will keep you going. I’ve also met some other incredible women and men along the way who make IT an inspiring, fun and awesome industry to work in.

Kandi R. Gardner

Computer Technician, Carolina East Medical Center, U.S.

Computer Technician, Carolina East Medical Center, U.S.

The best part of my job is to help people with their IT related issues and to educate them on technology in ways that they can understand. No one can ever be overeducated, but you can always be undereducated.

Providing users with methods to help them continue their jobs if they have issues arise is the best way to work.

Caitlin Godwin

Regional Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Staples, Australia

In the past, I have been fearful of entering into the technology industry. I believed that because I wasn’t the most tech-savvy person that I wouldn’t be able to add value to a team or to customers. Over the last year, I have had the opportunity to work closely with our tech sales team and the experience has been eye opening.

The tech world is vast, exciting, and ever-changing. For someone who is consistently craving adventure and eager to learn, the industry is perfect for me!

This industry has historically been dominated by men, which adds an extra challenge. I was just promoted to regional sales manager for our tech sales team, and I am so looking forward to learning from my team, our partners, and our customers.

Cristina Martin Greysman

Senior Director, Partner Experience, Sungard Availability Services, U.S.

I’m the director of partner program management for Sungard Availability Services in Wayne, Pa., a technology services company. There, I help channel partners effectively sell our solutions to their customers.

I’ve worked business development and alliance management in the technology industry for 20 years. I was fascinated by computers in middle school and begged my dad for a home computer. Luckily, he obliged —though he wondered what I would use it for. My interest led me in the mid-90s to co-found Red Sector A, an Internet service provider and e-commerce website design firm. Early on, I saw that websites and the ability to transact business online was a game changer, especially for small business. I love the dynamism of the industry and how I am learning something new every day.

Mary Ellen Grom

Vice President of U.S. Marketing, Synnex Corp., U.S.

The absolute best part of IT channel marketing is that I learn something new every single day. I am constantly challenged, engaged and motivated to stay on top of tech trends in order to deliver an incredible customer experience. There are so many facets to IT – customer service, sales, brand management, marketing, technical support, financial services, legal and HR. The opportunities are endless in this dynamic, every-changing industry.

To pursue a career in IT, I believe you need to be curious, creative, resourceful and dedicated. Strong character and personality go a long way, too. An accommodating attitude and authenticity mean you can be yourself and learn to thrive in an IT environment, whether you are an individual contributor or part of a team.

Don’t hold back – push yourself to the limits to explore opportunities in IT where you can contribute to what’s new and next in technology!

Kellie Hackney

Commercial Sales Manager, Tableau Software, Australia

Sheer luck got me my first job as a receptionist for a technology distributor called Synnex, and over 18 years I worked my way up in the company from receptionist to sales team leader for a global business analytics company.

I live in Australia, but the company is based in Seattle, Washington. Most of my days are spent solving problems, learning new things with my team and strategising to keep our business competitive. I like the fast pace of the industry.

To be honest, I’m not very technical. Though I don’t usually work directly with hardware, I sometimes spend extra time to understand how it works, and it’s rewarding when I do.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come from reception, I realised along the way how fun IT can be. I’ve made a good salary and lifelong friends. My advice? Don’t wait for luck to bring you to into IT — go find it!

Michele Hovet

Industry Advisor, SAP, U.S.

I did not start out thinking I would have a career in technology — I was a business major in college. When I graduated, the business and finance jobs were tight so I went into tech, training execs how to use spreadsheets and other technologies. That opened a whole new door for me.

In technology, you can take the education and skills you gained in college and use them in so many ways: project management, marketing, industry knowledge, network administration, sales, systems administration, developers, startups and training. That’s great, because you are not cornered into just one area.

You can make your career what you want in tech, and find a balance between career and family.

All industries use tech; pick one you have a passion for. I chose government, which led to one of my proudest moments. Through technology, I got to represent the city I worked for at the White House because we utilized technology to improve citizens’ lives.

I now work in the private sector at SAP where they encourage you to learn, move around in your career and experiment.

I've presented to students learning to code at the NBA All-Star game, made presentations to governors in many states, and presented with our company's president in front of 6,000 people. The door is wide open for a career in technology. Will you enter? You should!

Elmarine Jimenez

Network Manager, University of Technology, Jamaica

I like the fact that technology is dynamic and always changing. Technology is never boring. Ultimately, I like solving problems and helping others, which I’m able to accomplish through technology.

At times I am afraid and say, “Oh wow, this problem is bigger than me,” but those are the moments I grow and feel the most rewarded when it is accomplished.

My advice to other women thinking of pursuing a career in IT is that it’s okay to be afraid and vulnerable. We really will never know everything. Half the job is making yourself available, and with CompTIA you will learn the skills necessary to manage and when its over you would be so proud of yourself and the customer will touch your heart with that look of gratitude and appreciation.

We cannot avoid being in the technology age but having a career in technology will also allow you to make a difference in the world, one problem at a time.

Elizabeth Marchant

Group CEO, Outsource, Recognition PR and Write Away Communications + Events, Australia

With more than 20 years of agency and in-house PR and marketing experience, I focus on client strategy across a roster of local and international IT&T brands. I get to building the profile of technology leaders and fulfill my personal passion for supporting women in business.

My work lets me work in innovative and high-profile public relations and marketing campaigns for companies including Autodesk, Dell Software, Hitachi Data Systems, HP and Telstra. My favorite part of the job is taking a commercial focus to help companies that sell complex, high-value products and services to connect with audiences to build positive engagement.

Lisa Masiello

Founder and President, TECHmarc Labs, U.S.

The IT industry moves fast and that’s what I love most about my job. Not only do the physical products and services change rapidly, but the way we market and sell them is going through explosive change as well. I’m excited every day.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t consider a career in IT because you don’t have a technical degree. If you have a passion for the industry, a constant desire to learn new things and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and work with others to get the job done, you will go far.

Technology isn’t about the physical product or a bulleted list of features. It’s about helping people and companies solve problems, overcome challenges, and improve their lives every day.

My father worked for Xerox Corporation, a pioneer in computer technology, so I guess IT was in my blood. In 1989, I graduated from college with a degree in politics and a minor in information systems science.

My first job was in international marketing at Microcom, a leading modem provider of the 1980s. And the rest is history. I have marketed modems, semiconductors, software, SaaS and cloud products and services over the last 25 years for Fortune 500 companies and small start-ups.

Today, as the founder and president of TECHmarc Labs, I work with IT vendors, distributors, VARs, MSPs and other technology providers to help them build indirect sales channels — reselling and marketing their products and services to channel partners around the world.

Shannon Mayer

VP, Channel Development, The ASCII Group, U.S.

Growing up, I never imagined that I would have a career in IT. I dreamed of working for an established PR or marketing agency, representing the top brands in the world. Fast forward 15 years later and here I am with a bourgeoning career in the IT channel, working for The ASCII Group. And it happened totally by accident.

Before I was in IT, I had been working for the Stamford Town Center in Connecticut (a regional mall), helping them with marketing and events. A friend from high school called me up one day and said that he recently started a company called Datto and needed someone who understood marketing and PR to help grow the business. It sounded interesting, but I was worried about moving into a field that I knew nothing about. I finally decided to take a risk and leave my secure job for the startup world.

Six years later, I’m still in the IT channel and feel that I’ve found my home. I was meant to be here. The community is nothing short of amazing and I feel fortunate I get to work with incredible people every day.

Looking back, it didn’t matter that I knew very little about IT before stepping into the role at Datto – I was able to learn as I went along. I wouldn’t change a thing today and I’m incredibly thankful for taking that leap of faith six years ago.

Shannon Moran

IT Development Director, Brother International Corp., U.S.

As the IT development director at Brother International, I oversee the operations for IT development and project management functions for our company. I formulate and deploy short- and long-term strategic plans for enabling efficient and cost-effective IT solutions across our U.S. and subsidiary offices. I also represent those offices when working with our global team.

I am continually amazed at the rate of change in our business due to advances in technology, specifically cloud computing, mobile and social areas. It is an exciting time for technologists, as companies now position their IT departments as strategic differentiators. All of that change means the sales and marketing teams are moving at the speed of light to meet the challenges in the market, and they demand an agile and forward-thinking IT organization. This presents many challenges that have an impact on resource planning and training, sourcing strategies and development technologies.

Marie Nalty

Marketing and Partner Manager, Stibo Systems, Australia

I started my career in IT in the 1980s, attracted by the fact that it was fast-moving and ever-changing. Thirty years later, I do not regret my decision: I have had the opportunity to be part of events that have forever changed the way we work. This includes IBM introducing PCs in the ’80s, Apple introducing Multimedia through Hypercard, Adobe introducing Acrobat, and many other technologies that we now take for granted. My career includes working with Java at Sun Microsystems and now, being part of Digital Transformation initiatives.

My IT background enables me to quickly understand new technologies and concepts. Over the the last 15 years, I focused on the business opportunities that technology provides and managed partnerships and alliances for major vendors.

I still get excited about new technologies that have the potential to revolutionise an industry and it has guided my choice to work in the information management space. I believe that we need the tools and the expertise to make sense of the exponential volumes of data, and this is only going to accelerate with IoT.

Being a woman in IT and still part of the minority has its challenges and benefits: You need to be assertive to be heard; once you have proven yourself people remember you. Being different means that you never need to introduce yourself twice. And you build strong business relationships along the way!

Jessi Norris

Project Manager, TekTegrity, U.S.

As someone with a health care and service background, I did not have many technical skills to bring to the table at my first job interview. I did have great organizational skills, a strong work ethic and a desire to learn. As it turns out, that’s exactly what has made me successful.

I love my job because I can create processes and use them to find solutions to real problems — and get to see the benefits as they relate to my company and our clients. My advice to women interested in the IT industry: If you have tech skills, use them. It’s a no-brainer! If you don’t have the tech skills, don’t let that stop you. It’s a great field with something to offer everyone.

Halima Olapade

Software Engineer, Google, U.S.

The best part of my job is how I can totally and completely be myself. Everyday when I get dressed and prepare for work, I am confident that I can bring my entire self to my job. My background, style, interests and personality are reflected in my day-to-day work activities.

When I think about it, I am most excited to continue to channel my work and projects into the things that really matter to me. I find that to be the most liberating aspect of being in the tech industry.

Tracy Pound

Managing Director, MaximITy, UK

I have over 30 years in the IT industry and have been voted one of the top 50 women in technology in a survey by PCR, the UK trade magazine for the computer and IT industry. My career has taken me through many industries successfully deploying large scale IT infrastructures ranging from £10k to in excess of £1.4m.

As a published author, I have also appeared on TV, most notably being featured with eminent UK inventor Sir Clive Sinclair. In April 2000 I was able to launch my own business, MaximITy, with the philosophy that IT should help facilitate business not hinder, and to translate business needs into technology solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Alana Reynard

Solutions Architect, The Missing Link, Australia

Most people find another path into IT, but I studied at TAFE and got my first role in the industry as a field technician. After 18 months, I moved to the United Kingdom and got promoted to senior systems engineer, and then technical architect. In that role, I created solutions to help our clients grow and learned so much working for people all across Europe.

Today I have more than 10 years of experience in the IT industry and have been at The Missing Link, located just outside of Sydney, Australia, for two years. I was recently promoted to senior infrastructure architect.

Over the years I’ve kept up with the industry by earning more than 20 technology certifications. Knowledge drives me — I love complex problems and especially love working in an industry that is on the cutting edge.

Rebecca Rosen

President, Sales Enabled, U.S.

As president of Sales Enabled in Los Angeles, I help technology companies improve the productivity, performance and results of their sales teams. I started in IT two decades ago, first overseeing marketing communications and sales training for a midsized telecommunications company, where I had overarching responsibility for the company’s brand, customer acquisition and development strategies and sales training. During my tenure, I played a key role in helping drive the company’s growth from $20 million to over $550 million in annual revenues. I started my IT career at a boutique IT consultancy where I managed operations and training.

Having earned a master’s degree in the integration of choreography and technology, I have always enjoyed making technology come alive — creating an emotional connection with its users. Today, I love taking very complex products to market in ways that are extremely relevant and impactful to businesses.

Dr. Jayati Saha

Microbiologist, U.S.

I was educated in India, where, between grades 10 and 11, I chose science as my main area of interest. I chose science because I was naturally curious about things, and I preferred to actually see results rather than be told about them. I work in a laboratory in a very clean environment and use computers to model and track my findings.

What I love about my work is that I get to think about a problem and experiment with ways to test a solution. It’s fun to see things work out. When experiments don’t work, I just start again with a different approach.

Girls and women make great scientists and technicians. Those who are curious, who want to do things by or for themselves, like to write, and are stubborn or tenacious can learn science and be very successful researchers. Science is a wonderful and satisfying career.

Angie Sheldon

Community Engagement Specialist, Betty Crocker and Bisquick, U.S.

When I got my master’s degree in counseling in 2009, my job barely existed. I moved forward with my degree, working in a psychiatric unit and then in a handful of nonprofit programs. When I realized that social media was a fun and challenging field where I could use my psychology skills to create communities and effect change, I simply started doing it — blogging, tweeting, you name it! I showed I was a good content creator and community builder and was hired by General Mills.

Today, I manage the social presence of Betty Crocker and Bisquick in a cross-functional team. I am responsible for all strategy and execution, including campaigns, integrated marketing efforts and day-to-day interaction. The hardest part is that, as a very new field, my job is often misunderstood or not always valued, but I love being able to build and advocate for a community in a large company.

Jody Shincke

IT Infrastructure Manager, REI, U.S.

I got started in IT when I realized I loved technology in high school. I started off the way a lot of women did 20 years ago: at a helpdesk. From there, my career took off. At the helpdesk, I got a good understanding of engineering, which eventually evolved into IT management.

Today, I manage five separate teams, varying from database and middleware technologies to client and retail technologies. It’s hard not always having enough time to dedicate to individuals, but the best part of the job is working with my teams on a daily basis and interacting with my peers. I enjoy helping them clear obstacles and assisting them in their career development, goals and objectives, especially when I can see them receive accolades and rewards for a job well done. Those moments are a huge source of pride.

So many people believe they’ll learn everything they need when they graduate college, only to find out that’s just the beginning. Have realistic expectations and take advantage of entry-level jobs that provide you with experience and knowledge — like a helpdesk.

There’s a perception that IT is a difficult field. While it’s not rocket science, it does have its challenges. IT provides a constant challenge that keeps you on your toes both mentally and professionally.

Barbra Smith

Americas Business Operations Manager for Care Packs, Hewlett-Packard, U.S.

I moved into IT about 11 years ago, after starting my career at HP. I started in the quality assurance and testing of the system and architecture built for the HP Care Pack Services Business. My love of IT came early. I’ve spent years learning and advancing, and today I’m in a position to influence how system architecture and software applications are built.

I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish without a college degree, and I enjoy being able to mentor other individuals in the IT environment. I know, though, that potential further advancement would be easier with more education.

There are a lot of inexperienced people placed in IT roles today, and I have to train a lot of people who come in without any real-world experience. A degree goes hand-in-hand with real-world experience. Keep in mind that you might need to start in an entry-level position in order to gain the necessary basics skills.

Suzy Smith

Partner, Aspen Software, UK

The best part of my job is finding ways to use technology to solve real-world business problems. It’s creative and challenging.

Keshia Stewart

Managing Director, TeachTech Solutions Limited, UK

Although I have been interested in tech since my teenage years, I did not intentionally end up in IT. Having worked within Education recruitment for a couple of years a role became available with an IT Solutions Company. Becoming the Recruitment Manager of a business that lived and breathed technology changed my world. Discovering how Technology is designed and built saw me become enamoured by an ever-changing world of brilliance. I now have my own business which specialises in recruiting Teachers of Information Technology.

There is something marvellous about those that take their knowledge and pass it on to the minds of tomorrow. I spend my days speaking to people about their tech knowledge, their fortes and most importantly, their hopes for the IT sector here in the UK.

My transition in to IT was by far the most interesting career move I have made. At TeachTech Solutions, I help people, who are super passionate about IT find a new job. This, along with the fact that Information Technology is forever changing, keeps me on my toes and intrigued.

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Channel Business Development Manager for Services, Schneider Electric Pty Ltd., Australia

I started off selling desktop apps, training at the stage when Office was taking off. I was enthusiastic both about solution sales but also about how I saw technology helping change job roles, and people’s lives.

I have been working with the reseller channel for 20 years both for a system integrator, who sold training, software, hardware and services, and for vendors such as Microsoft, Polycom and Schneider Electric.

I currently work with distributors and resellers to encourage them to add services from Schneider Electric to all their product sales and to remove barriers to them selling more. I have been working to transform a primarily direct sales model to a channel sales model over the past year, and the change in our reseller channel satisfaction with Schneider has been rewarding.

I really enjoy the intellectual challenge of changing models and perceptions, and creating an environment that sets up future success.

Jacqueline Thorley

Partner Business Manager, SAP, Australia

I never planned to work in the IT industry. I joined at a time when it wasn’t quite as pervasive and all-consuming in the world that we live in.

I was just lucky to be posted into a sabbatical during my university days and from there I never looked back. Fun smart people, exciting products, travel, constant learning and excellent training provided as well as decent money — what more could you wish for in a career?

I am currently a channel manager at SAP Australia and the great thing about this role is that you get to work with a host of other organisations in the industry. I am a relationship person and I get to do that every day in this role.

Mette Tripp

Director of Channel Relations at Context, UK

I ended up in the technology sector quite by chance, although at the time it was also quite an exciting up-and-coming industry to be in, which did attract me. I joined the company initially on the back of my language and general business skills, but soon discovered that I actually enjoyed working with databases and other tasks like data analysis, project management as well as the more outbound tasks of talking to lots of people in the industry and trade press. I also discovered that I’m actually a lot more tech-savvy than I thought I was, and did a lot of learning on the job.

Since then I moved into team management and am now also a member of the senior executive team at Context. The best thing about being in the tech industry is that it’s so fast moving and never gets boring as there are always new technologies emerging, and with them come lots of new challenges which require new skills and provide lots of variety. I have found that it’s also an industry with quite a young outlook with plenty of scope for pursuing a career in lots of different directions, and for exploring what you really like doing. There is also lots of travel opportunity and flexible working practises available.

My advice for women wanting to pursue a career in IT is go for it! You may be surprised to find that you like doing tasks you had never considered before. All you need is to give it a chance. Although it is traditionally quite a male-dominated industry I have always found that there was a space for me, and enjoy the challenge of being one of the women enjoying a career in the tech industry.

Arti Venkatesh

Global Senior Director, Sungard Availability Services, U.S.

I manage several aspects of new product introduction into the market. I manage three different teams starting with customer experience (experience from buying Sungard AS services to day-to-day interaction with Sungard AS teams); product development (how to translate market requirements into technical use cases and what systems are best to meet the customer needs); and program management (manage complex programs from its inception to general availability).

The technology world excites me as I am always curious to learn about innovations and how the world is changing with artificial intelligence. I would recommend women to look into career in IT. IT is not all about technology, yes you will have to be a subject matter expert of your area but that’s true for any career. If you want to be successful, you should continue to learn and evolve yourself.

There are several roles in IT companies that do not require you to be super technical or know how to write code. Read the job description carefully and understand what the roles requires. Wish you good luck!

Sophie Vigors

Solutions Architect, Distribution Central, Australia

Technology was not my first choice — I wanted to be either a diplomat or a famous chef! However, as I had always taken part in computer related courses and excursions at school and by that stage was looking after the computers and word processors at work, I applied to TAFE for a course that encourages young people to learn about IT.

Now it’s 26 years later and I work as a solution architect for an IT distributor in New South Wales, Australia. The best part of my job is being exposed to a wide variety of technologies, keeping up with trends, attending industry seminars and constantly training.

My advice to young women considering IT is to not shy away from technical roles and courses. Being technical is often just gaining the power and knowledge to have a fundamental understanding of something, rather than knowing what commands to type to configure a router interface. It’s sad for me to hear so many women say, “Oh, I’m not really technical,” when they actually are, as men will usually do the exact opposite!

Jessica Wesley

Level 2 & Cloud Operations Expert, Datto EMEA, UK

Ever since school, I’ve liked technology. A teacher told me, “Girls don’t do IT.” I wanted to prove him wrong — and I think I managed that! I completed a networking and system support degree at Glasgow Caledonian and I’ve been working in IT ever since.

The best part of the job is that, at Datto, you get to be the hero. We look after the business-critical data of thousands of SMEs, and when something goes wrong, I step in and save the day.

I like IT because it's ever-changing and always challenging, so I’ll never get tired of it. Plus, it’s a great equaliser; if you have the right attitude, you can succeed regardless of your background.

As a Level 2 Support Technician, I’m responsible for escalated tickets, which are often complex situations which the other techs haven’t been able to solve. I not only work with the customer, but also my colleague, so that they can learn from the situation. I also run disaster readiness scenarios, where customers do a dummy run to ensure they can react effectively in a true disaster. These exercises can involve recovering an entire infrastructure from the cloud. Finally, I support and mentor my team, to ensure they have the knowledge they need to succeed.

I have proud moments every day. When I’m teaching my colleagues a new process and it clicks for them, it’s a really great feeling — especially when I hear them using that knowledge to help a customer!

Rachel-Ann Wicks

@item.Fields.JobTitle, @item.Fields.Zerto, Australia

I believe that one of the reasons behind my success to date is the people I surround myself with and the friendships/partnerships I’ve fostered over the years within the technology industry. Having great relationships across alliance and reseller partners, customers and suppliers is key to having a network of brand ambassadors and people who work hard and open doors for you.

Be fearless. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. I like to partner with people to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and try new ways of achieving goals together.

Joanne Wong

Partner, REDDS Venture Investment Partners, Canada

When I graduated as a chemical engineer, I never thought that I would be working in the IT industry. I started my career as a manufacturing engineer at IBM. From there, I worked in many large and small IT companies and in many different positions: sales, marketing, project and program management, and consulting.

I was always learning about new technologies and how they could be best used in different environments. Even though, I was not a technical IT person, I was able to translate the technicalities of IT technology to resolve business problems, all made possible by working with amazing and fun teams.

As a result of this varied background, I started my own IT solutions companies and then this led to me becoming a partner at REDDS Venture Investment Partners. Today, my colleagues and I work together with entrepreneurs who created disruptive technologies. We help them realize their potential to scale globally and grow to that billion plus dollar company.

Robin Wright

Project Director, WSP USA, Environmental, U.S.

I manage teams and provide direct engineering and compliance support to global commercial and industrial clients. I work with multimedia environmental compliance and auditing, ISO 14001 auditing, environmental site assessments, site investigation and site remediation.

I like that no two projects or clients are the same. The technical challenges and diversity of the people I encounter are continuous opportunities for intellectual growth. I find it hugely satisfying to solve diverse technical problems and provide clients with beneficial alternatives.

Efficiently engineering solutions for global clients and locations requires heavy reliance on IT platforms, such as data management, communications and productivity tools. When there is a lack of access from remote locations, for example, or questionable stability of these platforms, my ability to do my job is limited. It’s beneficial for me to have direct contact with the IT department to resolve issues as they arise — and provide feedback to prevent new issues from cropping up.

Lisa Yigdal

Helpdesk and Telecommunications Manager, Brother International Corp., U.S.

I am responsible for the management and administration of Brother International’s Helpdesk system, technicians and operations. In addition, I am also responsible for the company’s voice communications networks, systems and call centers.

I enjoy the daily challenges presented by our user community with regards to IT. I also enjoy being part of the rapidly changing IT landscape and learning new technologies.

Keeping up with our user community’s needs is an interesting balance. It can be a challenge to keep up with the continuous demand for helpdesk support while protecting my technical staff from burnout, but I enjoy it.