Social media handle(s): @TheyWrestleTest (Twitter and Instagram)
A few words about me:
I am both a practitioner and a researcher. I've focused my research into the social psychology of professional identity.
When I'm not working at my day job or writing my graduate thesis, I like to crochet, build Lego, go to punk and ska concerts, and watch pro wrestling with my spouse Bob. Bob and I are the human care takers of our feline companions Maka and Excalipurr (aka Purr).
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
Prior to tech I was a lifeguard and taught swimming, Arthritis Foundation water aerobics, and lifeguarding. I also worked in call centers for a Medicare Part D insurance company, Bank of America, and Invisible Fence.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
I have a STEM adjacent bachelors degree in learning design and development and I'm in the last year of an MFA in experience design that is also somewhat STEM adjacent.
Where did your professional journey start?
I started my journey in tech while working in the help desk for a SaaS called Brandmuscle.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
I fell into testing, which is a line I'm shamelessly stealing from Ash Coleman. While working in the help desk for Brandmuscle, my manager approached me and suggested I think about what I wanted to do next within the company. She felt I had the aptitude to grow within the company and wanted to help me reach my potential.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
I've definitely experienced a lot of the same gender bias others who are perceived as woman experience. I also found not having a degree held me back which is why I decided to complete my undergrad and work towards a master's degree and potentially a PhD or doctoral degree in the future.
"You're going to get a lot of advice and some of it will be useful and lot of it will not. Find the parts of tech that you enjoy and discover ways to build a career in those spaces."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
I remember when my parents bought a computer for the family in the early 90's. I think I was around 10 years old and I was hooked. I was fascinated by all of new things I could do and learn. I told my mother I wanted to be an engineer so I could build things for the magic box I had "fallen" so hard for. I was told I wasn't smart enough and I didn't have the math skills. I wish I had known not to listen to the person who said this - and that there are lots of ways to work in tech and it's not a single path.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
I think my first keynotes are my biggest "wows" at the moment!
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
I love working in an industry where there's always something new to learn and new paths to explore. Conversely I don't like the tendency to become enamored by new trends without considering the consequences.
"Passion is over rated and it's perfectly fine to get into tech because it pays the bills. Just make sure you at least enjoy what you do so your career will have longevity."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
My very first week working for a major insurance company I was told to purchase a policy in production to ensure it was working. I wasn't told that it should be under a certain dollar amount and that I needed to notify the team that managed the backend ledger. So I did what testers do when they're exploring and experimented with the quoting platform and purchased a policy for around 15k. The next day I was informed that I should never do that again. I was panicked until my boss said I wasn't getting fired and then he and I laughed about it.
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
You're going to get a lot of advice and some of it will be useful and lot of it will not. Find the parts of tech that you enjoy and discover ways to build a career in those spaces. Passion is over rated and it's perfectly fine to get into tech because it pays the bills. Just make sure you at least enjoy what you do so your career will have longevity.
Comments