How I got into IT
 I studied IT in Organisations at Southampton University. I chose the course because it sounded quite different and interesting it involved business skills as well as IT skills which I found appealing.
I currently work at T-Mobile as a business analyst and a solution designer, where I joined on their graduate scheme. My role requires me to have good communication skills and the ability to build relationships with the requirements owners. I spend most of my time gathering information from the requirements owners and from the system owners and working out the best solution for the project and the company.
What I like best about working in IT
I love the fact that I get to talk to so many different people and I enjoy shaping the IT architecture for a project. My job is continuously fast paced and I am under pressure to deliver designs by a certain deadline, this can be challenging however it is definitely worth it when I see the end product being advertised or purchased by customers!
Why I chose a career in IT
I had a look at the different opportunities in IT and found that there are so many different career paths you can take; it’s not just a matter of being pigeon holed into one aspect.
My highlights have been building up strong relationships with the people I work with and having the opportunity to prove myself in a pressurised environment.
After being at T-Mobile for two years my aspirations are to progress in the field I’m in and work my way up to be an IT strategic architect, where I will be involved in making bigger strategic decisions for the company.
Tips for success
You must be determined, persistent, hard working and I find having a smile on your face takes you a long way!
Make sure you ask what the job entails; there are so many different areas you are bound to find something that will suit you. Look at a company’s Graduate scheme, contact them and ask them about it. Understand the company you are applying to as having strong business awareness is a must.
Websites I would recommend to a woman just starting out in IT
womenintechnology was really useful for me as well as WeAreTheCity.
Importance of background
I think my degree influenced me into choosing a career in IT however many of my colleagues have varied backgrounds and have progressed to IT from the experience and skills they have gained doing their day to day work.
Would it have been different if I'd been a man
I don’t think that is the case, throughout university and work I have not yet encountered prejudices against being a female.
Outside of work
I love reading and going out with friends, I go to the gym and have been involved in charity work with my company. I love organising social events for my team. I am looking into going back into kick boxing and cheerleading as I used to do both at university.
Are you aware of any preconceptions or stereotypes of women in IT, and if so what do you think of them?
Before I applied for a career in IT a few of my friends have joked and said that they imagine people in IT to be boring, I didn’t let that stop me from looking into it and applying. I have found the most entertaining people to be in IT, we’ve had great nights out and have had many stories to tell the next day!
What can be done to attract more women to IT
I think we need to show them there is more to technology than being a programmer. What attracted me to IT was the fact that I could be part of something that is increasingly growing and diverse. I think women wishing to join IT should not be worried about it being a male dominated area as many of my colleagues are females and my male colleagues are brilliant, I have had no problems being a female in IT.
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