I am a Software Architect, I have been in this role for around 8 years, after developing an interest in designing & planning things early after being a Software Developer for 10+ years. My degree is in Physics & Astronomy, & I love keeping up with the advancements in those areas, & the new Space Race!
I have worked in various sectors, & moved into the Energy sector in 2018. If considering a career in Computing, I would say you don’t need to have experience in coding, what is important is a desire to learn new things, solve problems, & collaborate with others.
An interest in technology or a particular sector is important. The rest you can learn along the way.
First career aspiration as a child?
At school I always loved Maths, & was fortunate to have a strong female Maths teacher who set a great example to the girls. However I imagined myself as a Business Women in a power suit & red sports car. This hints at the role models available then, men in business suits or 1980s film stars.
What would you tell teenage you?
Be brave & you are right to listen to your gut! I remember assuming most people around me at Uni or work were smarter or better than me. I know the truth now is that we all have a unique set of skills, and sometimes it takes a particular setting or time for yours to emerge & be noticed.
Biggest challenge in your life?
Being a working mother has been the biggest challenge, the first half of my career was during a time when part-time vacancies were not advertised, & working from home was not an option. This meant a lot of women, including myself, being stuck in the same roles for too long & not able to learn & grow at the same rate as my male colleagues. It has taken a lot of effort, with the help of my parents & childcare, to be a good mother & also try & catch up in my career. Things are a lot better for women & parents in STEAM jobs now with flexible working, & Paternity leave.
What is your super power? What would you like to have?
After years of being a working parent multi-tasking is probably my super power. I would love to be able to turn invisible and go round having a nosey at people’s lives and their houses.
What attracted you to a Computing career?
It’s fair to say I drifted into Computing, I always knew I was interested in problem solving & could have applied that in many fields. When I finished my undergraduate degree I was unsure of what to do next, & it was during the .com bubble, so I embarked on a postgraduate IT course. With the last few years advancements in tech, & the opportunities to make a difference in the world with my technical skills, I am glad I went into Computing.
Favourite past time?
Music is my biggest passion, always got it on in the background, love going to gigs and I am learning to play electric guitar, albeit at a slow pace!