We interviewed Julie Lane, Principal Consultant, Agile Coach and Scrum Master at Sogeti UK on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
Supporting clients to deliver complex projects and transformational programmes. Manage teams and people to be the best they can be and provide value to our clients so they can provide value to their customers.
I didn’t choose technology as a priority but more interested in the people that provide the technology. I was intrigued at the knowledge and ability that they must have to provide us with the technology that makes our lives better and make the world a better place to live and work.
Absolutely not, but I am living proof that anyone can come into technology without glittery badges, find the information and courses that provide this knowledge and certifications as you learn and grow within the company.
A small amount but I was lucky enough to work with 4 directors that all had wonderful and thought-provoking solutions that inspired me and gave me the confidence that some one of my age and knowledgebase can succeed in IT and play my part.
We need to demystify the industry and open up the opportunities and the knowledge to engage with our female colleagues of any age to show how exciting this industry can be if you just open up the door and look inside.
Yes I did but then I met four very different men in technology that taught me that we all bring something different to an ever-changing industry. This encouraged me to join the party and bring my views and skills.
Variety, diversity and taking out the fear of only the likes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are welcome and accepted in the industry. If you google the top 10 IT people there is only one women, Martha Lane Fox. We have to change this and push ourselves to the front and break down that barrier.
Some of the barriers are that women don’t see computer sciences as being exciting enough and they also see there is a pay gap between men and women in the industry. With this in mind, why would we beat down the door when this is happens in some companies.
We have to start encouraging all children but particularly girls at a much younger age in schools. They will see the opportunities that are available and what part they can play in changing the landscape of the industry, others following them will then see that this industry can be as inviting as any other.
Never accept the norm, challenge until someone cannot ignore you. Stand up for what you are worth and show your worth, so everyone can see the value you can add and that it is equal to anyone else, regardless of gender.