Social media handle(s): LinkedIn
A few words about me:
I am an Associate Director at EPAM Systems. I went to school in Oxford and attended University of Derby, leaving with a BSc in Computer Forensics and Security, and now have over a decade of experience in the tech industry.
I love connecting with people through good conversations and a bit of humour. My biggest passion is, promoting awareness around diversity and inclusion challenges.
But, it's not all about my career - I love travelling & exploring new countries, diving into a great book (fiction or self-development), experimenting in the kitchen with new dishes, or enjoying the outdoors with a run or hike.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
As I progressed into more senior roles, the focus and demand shifted from getting hands-on with coding and building tech solutions towards business strategy and growth. This shift was initially unexpected, given that I had spent much of my career honing my technical and coding skills.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
Definitely STEM! I studied Computer Forensics and Security at university and have worked in tech roles ever since leaving university.
Where did your professional journey start?
My journey began back in school when I was choosing my GCSEs. While many of my friends were passionate about sports or drama - which I also enjoyed - I didn’t see a long-term career path there. However, I discovered I had a knack for IT and found it genuinely interesting, which naturally drew me in. My parents played a big role in shaping my decisions by encouraging open conversations about career paths and the kind of work I could see myself pursuing. Their support indirectly guided me toward the course I chose in higher education.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
Honestly, it all started with those early dinner table conversations with my parents. There was also a lot of buzz about IT being the 'future,' so I started researching jobs and salaries. It quickly became clear that IT offered great opportunities and financial prospects, which solidified my interest in pursuing it.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
From the beginning, I was often one of just a few females - and a minority - in my courses. This trend continued when I entered the working world, where representation was even more limited. I have sometimes faced initial skepticism; despite my IT experience, I was occasionally perceived as young or inexperienced until I had the chance to build trust. While diversity has improved over the years, there’s still work to be done in creating environments where people’s skills and expertise are prioritised over appearances or first impressions.
"My advice to others entering the tech industry is to stay curious and open to exploring different skills and roles. You may discover that tech isn’t the right fit for you - and that’s perfectly okay. However, if you do choose to stay in the field, make continuous learning a priority."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
So much! But, I will try and wrap this into 3 points:
1. Tech isn’t just about coding - There are numerous roles in tech - project management, UX/UI design, data analysis, marketing, and more. Explore different paths to find what excites you and soft skills matter more as you can learn the tech skills over time.
2. Your first role isn’t your forever role - Many people shift roles or specialties as they grow. The skills you build in one role will often transfer to others. As you are continuously learning to stay ahead of the curb, you may come across something that you may not have considered before and want to purse that role.
3. Failure is part of the process - Mistakes and setbacks are inevitable. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward. This applies to life in general, it's okay to change course later on in your life as long as it makes sense to you and your future progression.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
My biggest 'wow!' moment in tech has been the opportunity to build a business unit from the ground up, share my expertise, and mentor professionals on their career journeys. Designing a global go-to-market process has also been an incredibly rewarding milestone. These experiences have solidified my passion for innovation, leadership, and making a meaningful impact in the industry.
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
I value the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, as it continually challenges me to stay at the top of my game and maintain a 'student' mindset. However, keeping up with the rapid advancements in technology can be demanding at times. Establishing a healthy work-life balance and setting clear boundaries has been essential in creating the space needed to navigate these challenges effectively.
"Your first role isn’t your forever role - Many people shift roles or specialties as they grow. The skills you build in one role will often transfer to others. As you are continuously learning to stay ahead of the curb, you may come across something that you may not have considered before and want to purse that role."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
My most memorable moments have always been seeing the teams I’ve mentored and managed over the years achieve success, reach their professional goals, and continue to grow and thrive in their careers.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
My advice to others entering the tech industry is to stay curious and open to exploring different skills and roles. You may discover that tech isn’t the right fit for you - and that’s perfectly okay. However, if you do choose to stay in the field, make continuous learning a priority. It will be your greatest asset in staying ahead of emerging trends. Lastly, prioritise building a strong network. As the saying goes, your network is your net worth. The connections you cultivate can help you grow and uncover opportunities you may never have considered.
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