|
 My name is Carol Ashcroft and I work for IBM as a project manager within a business development team for Maintenance and Technical Support Services.
For many years I believed I wanted to be an accountant and embarked on a joint honours degree of Computer Science and Accounting. However, during my time at Manchester University I realised that another three years of accountancy exams did not excite me - so I decided to use the other part of my degree and applied to computer companies.
The challenge was I knew that I wasn’t a “techie”. Fortunately it was 1993 which marked the start of IT services being recognised as a business within its own right. The combination of marrying IT with business benefits really appealed to me, so I concentrated on companies offering project management roles. I was offered a job by IBM and joined straight from university.
There was a graduate programme in London for those who, like me, were joining IBM straight from university. However, preferring to do things differently, I joined the Project Management department in Manchester. The first thing that I got involved in was the first national conference for IBM Project Managers – it was a brilliant networking opportunity and I’m glad to say that the conference is still going strong fourteen years on.
IBM is brilliant for me as it has allowed me a variety of opportunities. The company covers a vast range of products and services and is constantly evolving. There are always new and exciting roles to be involved with, both as part of your everyday role or in “giveback” projects where you can take on additional projects in an area that you are passionate about or would like the opportunity to develop yourself further. I currently sit on the IBM UK Women’s Leadership Team which means I get to meet with senior women from different parts of the company who all have the same goal – to create an environment which attracts, retains and develops women. This helps to address the skill needs of IBM in the UK, which is a business that depends on its people.
The other great plus for me is that IBM allows people the flexibility to manage their careers. I’m currently working part-time so that I can spend more time with my children whilst they’re at an age that enjoys having Mummy around to do things with. I know that as they get older and become more independent their needs will change and that is when I will return to full-time working.
One of the highlights of my career (to date) was receiving the European Leadership Award for some development work I did on how our Infrastructure Technology Services could address the issues and needs of our financial services customers. The award consisted of a long weekend in Avignon, France for me and a partner. We joined a number of other couples and everything was laid on for us including a meal at Michelin star restaurant, wine tasting and a helicopter ride – it was amazing.
Outside of work I have a husband and three children. My husband works full time at one of IBM’s competitors in a global role, so he is very familiar with Heathrow. In his spare time he trains for Ironman triathlons. I’m just embarking on coaching training with The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), something that I want to do for myself as well as the benefits it will bring me at work.
My one piece of advice to women considering a role in IT is “Go for it!” There are loads of roles, not all are technical, and you don’t have to be a geek – just enthusiastic.
You may also be interested in the Times article 'Women web wizards wooed by IT industry'
|
