 What is your current position / situation.
I am currently Head of Business Systems for ITV Productions, the division of ITV that makes programmes such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and I’m Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.
What do you like best about working in IT?
Today all companies need technology. My career in IT has given me the opportunity to work in many fascinating industries including Television, Music, Airlines and travel in some amazing places including Australia and throughout Europe. Who said the IT industry isn’t sexy?
Why did you choose a career in IT in the first place?
I got in on the bottom rung of the ladder when I was asked to provide cover for the data entry team. I quickly realised that IT would give me opportunities that wouldn’t have been afforded had I stayed in an administrative role. From then onwards I studied part-time and have worked my way up through technical support, analysis, development, project/programme and IT management.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
Winning over the non-IT business units and being given the opportunity to turn my own ideas into real business solutions. Projects I really enjoyed include the launch of a European aircraft charter site, business intelligence solutions to look at aircraft and crew utilisation and web portals to support airline crew and TV production.
What are your career aspirations?
The top IT job at operating board level be that CIO or IT Director for now, who knows what opportunities may follow?
What are your tips for success?
Look for roles which are in an industry that interests you and learn about the business and its wider industry. Stretch yourself, be that through formal study or through volunteering to take on special projects outside of your direct domain. Don’t get too hung up on financial compensation, prove your worth and the money and promotions will come. Network and look for role models and mentors within your organisation. Always deliver on your promises.
What books / websites etc. would you recommend to a woman just starting out in IT?
I’d recommend the book “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office (101 unconscious mistakes women make that sabotage their careers)” by Lois P Frankel, which isn’t aimed specifically at the IT sector but is invaluable for women in business.
Can you share a few words of wisdom for those people who are thinking about pursuing a career in IT?
As with any career, list the 10 most important attributes you are seeking in a role, weight them and measure them against the job you are considering. Include some personal attributes too, e.g. if you are an active person who likes to be up and about you might not be suited to a career sat behind a computer 8 hours per day programming.
How important do think your education or background has been in influencing your career choices?
I left school with very few qualifications and studied part-time when the time was right for me, since then I’ve gained a degree in Business & IT, an MBA and am currently studying on an exec programme at a top university. If you find yourself without a degree this is not a barrier to getting into IT.
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?
Yes, I joined the workforce prior to the equal pay legislation so I know I was initially paid less than my male counterparts. As a women you also have to think about the importance of career versus family.
Tell us a little about your life outside of work
I love to get outside at the weekend after being inside all week be that walking, horse riding or watersports. I speak Dutch and am currently learning French. Recently I launched www.maiden-voyage.com to support business women whilst they are away travelling from the office/home.
What do you think could be done to actively encourage more women to join the technology market place in general?
We have to appeal to girls when they are making their career choices in secondary schools, role models working with career advisors can highlight the appeal of the technology industry and explain the wide range of roles available.
If you could give young women looking for a position in the IT market place a single piece of advice what would it be?
Try to incorporate your interests in the roles you take, be that industry (such as travel) or the type of work (creative/design or logical). Corporate culture can play an enormous part in job satisfaction, a project management role in one company can be entirely different in another. | 