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Thursday 9th February 2012


Position: Premier Field Engineer
Company: Microsoft
Location: London

What do you think of the womenintechnology website?

I think this is a great resource for Networking and articles plus also considering your next career move.

Do you think enough is currently being done to counterbalance what has become an obvious lack of women in technology?

No I do not. I feel we need to tackle this within our education system at secondary and higher education level, to help inspire and guide young women to choose IT as a career.

Why did you choose a career in IT in the first place? e.g. was it a choice or a natural progression from something you'd done previously?

Mine was a route via the Royal Navy. I was in radio telecommunications. Plus I did all arts based A Levels (English History and Music).

Are you aware of any preconceptions or stereotypes of women in IT, and if so what do you think of them?

I am aware people think that people who work in IT are geeky. But I choose to ignore that stereotype by diversifying what I get involved in and do inside and outside work.

How would you describe the work environment / working culture at Microsoft?

Varied and challenging and competitive. Moving at a fast pace. But that is what I enjoy the variation of it all.

How has Microsoft’s stance on women impacted you personally?

It has opened up doors and given me opportunities to try to influence young women in choosing IT as a career. Plus being involved with Connected Women in IT has helped me reach out across the IT industry to connect with like minded people.

Can you share a few words of wisdom for those people who are thinking about joining Microsoft?

It is a job that is challenging, varied and demanding. Certainly my job role provides me with fantastic opportunities to evolve and grow on many levels both technically and professionally.

Are you proud of the fact that Microsoft has chosen to endorse and advertise on womenintechnology in order to increase the representation of women in your IT environment?

Yes I am :o) We have as a company the power to influence and work with other corporations across the industry. We have it within our power to set a fantastic example on how diversity can work within the IT industry.

Describe your background and career at Microsoft (how long you've worked there, the roles and responsibilities you've held etc.)

I have been in the Royal Navy, IT support, IT training in a career that spans around 20 years. I have only been at Microsoft for two years, working as a Senior Premier Field Engineer around the Platforms Technology.

What have been the highlights of your career at Microsoft and what do you like best about working at Microsoft?

I have only worked at Microsoft for two years. However standing on stage at the UK Windows 2008 Launch presenting to 1,400 people on a technical subject was superb. Also having the opportunity to present and work at Teched in Orlando.

How would you describe Microsofts approach to diversity in its work force, in particular women's initiatives?

We are improving. Certainly this is an area that is getting a lot of support from our Senior Executive Team within Microsoft. However I feel we still have some way to go to ensure that each part of our business is empowered to promote diversity within its workforce and respect different countries cultures and approach.

What are your tips for success at Microsoft?

Be true to yourself. Treat others as you would expect to be treated. Enjoy and pursue the fantastic opportunities and never be afraid to suggest or try a new idea. You may just get asked to run with it!

In your experience, what value  and emphasis does Microsoft place on women's initiatives? Can you give us any examples?

We have in the UK several great initiatives. Bump Club, Part Time Working, Job Sharing, buddying.

What are your career aspirations at Microsoft?

I love technology plus also people. I think my ideal job would be a role that has a team manager element to it but also allows me to be not too distant from technology. So probably remaining within the Customer Support and Services Division in some sort of managerial role.

What do you think could be done to actively encourage more women to join the technology market place in general?

I think there should be more initiatives on flexible working. Plus also the ability to have “mentored” career breaks so people can keep in touch with the workplace and be kept up to date with developments. Also major corporations should look more to the education sector and work with them to help and guide more girls into technology. Also building relationships with prospective female employees via and extended buddying system.

Tell us a little about your life outside of work.

I am married with two little boys aged eight and six years old. I am currently training for a mad charity cycle ride across Madagascar in aid of Computer Aid International. I am part of the Microsoft Premier Field Engineering team taking part in this. There are three girls in our team from across Europe and we are all mad as each other. justgiving.com/msmadagascar2.

Do you think it might have been a different story, of "how you got to where you are now", if you'd been a man?

No. Although I think that when my children were very small I specifically stayed in my last job role for and extended period of time longer then I should have for work life balance reasons.

How important do think your education or background has been in influencing your career choices?

Not at all my A Level choices were all arts. I had very bad career advice. However the Royal Navy got me on the right path for me. I do not have a computing degree. This has not in my circumstance held me back at all.

Do you think that there are obvious differences between what men and women have to offer an IT department?

I think sometimes we as women are too timid to voice our opinions and think they are as valid as mens. Be confident and strong in your own opinions and belief.

What books / websites would you recommend to others?

microsoft.com/learning

If you could give young women looking for a position in the IT market place a single piece of advice what would it be?

Do not try and tick of EVERY requirement in the job specification. Be confident that you can do the job as well as any other candidate without having to fufill 110% the criteria.