The tech industry is undeniably one of the most male dominated sectors there is. Whilst positive change is happening, we’re still well off where we should be. In a relationship focused and service-led business we see huge value in hiring individuals from all backgrounds, gender, race and religion. We sat down with Lydia Burgess one of our Technical Analyst’s on the Service Desk, to hear about her experience being a woman in tech.
Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?
Each day on the desk is different, you can never really predict what is going to happen. No matter how much you know there is always something to be learnt in IT.
What do you think is the best part of being a woman within tech?
Feeling like you are contributing towards shaping the way for future women to have more opportunities in tech.
Do you think it’s important for more women to join the tech industry?
Men and women bring different strengths to any field they work in, so it is always beneficial to have more women being introduced to male-dominated careers as it is equally having more men in female-dominated careers.
What first sparked your interest in working in the tech industry?
When I was in school, we had to choose our subjects and I decided to take something fun that I enjoyed, something I needed and something that would be useful in multiple careers. I knew IT would be useful in any career I went into, whether it required IT knowledge or not. I did not expect to enjoy the subject as much as I did, and it helped a lot having two women teaching it to me. They were probably the reason I decided to pursue a career in IT.
In your experience, does being a woman in your profession come with extra challenges that you have to overcome?
There is still that unconscious stereotype that some assume women are less capable in the IT field than men – as the field is still very male dominated. There are quite a few times when people will assume I am not part of the technical team after just hearing my voice, but this is never meant in a malicious way and gives me an opportunity to show my knowledge.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry?
There are challenges working in IT as a woman but there are also lots of opportunities, and these are only becoming more accessible.
If you’re looking for a role in the tech industry then have a look at our job vacancies and join our team.