We interviewed Lucy Grimwade, Service Design and Transition Manager at Harrods on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
The best way to describe the role I do – is to use the analogy of a bridge. Service Design and Transition is a bridge between the Operational world and Project world. By ensuring that whatever new, change or enhancement to a service follows the right steps and criteria before it transition into BAU support.
Technology is a huge part of our lives from mobile phones to systems we use to do our jobs. It is ever growing and changing which is exciting and fast pace.
For my A levels, I studied IT, Media Studies and English Literature. I decided to continue with IT and studied BSc Computing at university.
Upon leaving University, I stepped into the world of first line support where I started to build my career in IT. I have had the opportunity to work in many roles both technical and service oriented where I have eventually work my way up the career ladder into team management and focusing on IT service and strategy.
I think this depends on the organisation; I still see that the financial services are predominantly more male dominant then sectors such as retail.
With the Women in Tech movement, I can most certainly see a change. I still find that depending on the company, culture and other experience there can still be such stereotypes.
More advertising and success stories – case studies like these are helpful for others to map out their own career paths.
No. I think the Gender pay gap helped the movement and organisations that are focused on Women in Tech are helping break down the barriers.
To encourage our younger generations there should be schemes where women in technology roles present at schools, colleges and universities! I also think companies should incorporate internal Women in Tech initiative to ensure growth within the department and the organisation.