We interviewed Carmen Jackson, Director Quality Engineering at LexisNexis Risk Solutions on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
One of my primary job roles involves managing continuous improvement initiatives, improving overall capability and efficiency within the teams I lead, and through cross-collaboration with other technology teams. My role includes fostering an inclusive environment to boost employee engagement, improving the employee experience, and enhancing innovation.
In full transparency, I had not declared a major when I began my secondary education journey. Someone suggested that I could make a decent living in computer science. I found my passion in this field once I experienced how I could make a difference.
Yes, I started with a major in Computer Science and transitioned to Management Information Systems.
Yes, my entire 29-year professional experience has been in the file of IT.
Yes, I do. Research shows that women are less likely to choose a career in STEM.
Yes. Girls are exposed to non-stem-related toys and activities even at a young age.
Some ways to attract women to study technology-related courses are to use inclusive language when discussing STEM, acknowledge technology-related achievements, and have a supportive network.
Yes, the barriers of the lack of representation of women in technology, the pay gap, and opportunity for advancement compared to their male counterparts.
The same answer as question seven.
To step into your career with confidence. Find your area of passion in STEM and put your focus, talents, and energy into that passion. Do not let society define you, walk in your identity.