International women's day 2023
Women in Technology Interviews
Devonshire are owned by Paragon Group, a leading business and customer communications company present in over 20 countries.
Paragon are a great company who #embraceequity and have a great Diversity and Inclusion programme - they have many people from different backgrounds, race, gender and disability in leadership roles.
On International Woman's Day, Natalie interviewed some of Paragon's amazing women in IT & Tech, to find out why they got into this typically male dominated industry and what can be changed to inspire young females to do the same...
Clodagh Lynch Director of Technology Services - Portfolio Management
Could you tell us a little bit about your role?
"I am currently the Director of Technology Services, and as our business has grown and Technology has moved at pace, I am now transitioning into a new role as Director of Technology Service Management for Paragon Customer Communications and Lead Supply."
What first started your interest in IT/tech?
"My career in Technology started within Professional Services as a Project Coordinator in what now seems like light years ago! (1992). I was attracted to the complexity and challenge of what was then known as IT project delivery and the buzz the team got when things went well. I progressed within Project & Programme Management, taking the path well-trodden by most project professionals and finally became a Director of Project Services in 2007."
What advice would you give to any young women aspiring to get into IT/tech roles?
“The advice I would give young women aspiring to get into Technology would be to go for it! Progressing your career within Technology is about finding what you are good at, what you enjoy, being tenacious, resilient and having the confidence to push yourself! If you can't find a female mentor within your organisation, reach out to one of the many women's networking groups. There will always be someone to offer the support you may need.”
Why do you think there is a lack of women in the tech industry?
"Throughout my time in Technology, it has been a very male dominated industry. At several points of my career, I was the only female in a Technology leadership role. This wasn't by choice of the organisations I worked as part of, it was as a result of the lack of women attracted to roles within this sector. As a result, having a strong female role model could only be found outside the realm of my field."
How has the industry changed since you first started out in tech and what could be improved in the future?
"Education is now playing a vital role in changing the gender stereotype and more emphasis is placed on encouraging young women to pursue careers in Technology - even the language we use to attract candidates is changing. We still have a way to go but I now have the pleasure of working alongside some amazing female Technologists, something I could not have said 10 years ago."
sarah robinson Director of Technology Service Delivery
Could you tell us a little bit about your role?
"I joined Paragon Customer Communications (UKIL) through acquisition in April last year as IT Operations Director, accountable for all live services in the ex-WLCCM business unit. I have recently moved into a new role as Director of Technology Service Delivery reporting to our CIO and am accountable for IT Service Delivery across five of the seven Paragon lines of business."
What first started your interest in IT/tech?
"This will show my age… Y2K. I was working as a Business Analyst in the Financial sector and was asked to join a team to test all our IT platforms as part of our readiness for Y2K. We all planned and prepped for all our IT systems going pop on midnight of December 31st 1999! Based on that testing, the IT systems I had exposure to, the teams I had the pleasure of working with and scope of the role, I moved into IT and there I stayed. I was able to move into roles like Technical Consultancy, IT QA/Testing roles and progressed through my IT career in a number of Lead/Mgt IT roles across a number of industries."
What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech?
"For me, through my very early days in IT, it was a very maledominated industry. Men definitely applied for more ‘techie roles’ back then and at that time, would progress through these technical roles and the more senior positions would be male-dominated. As a woman, I felt like I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously and prove myself to match (if not surpass) my male colleagues, whilst at the same time juggling a young family and my career."
What advice would you give to any young women aspiring to get into IT/tech roles?
"Be you, do your research, gain the right knowledge, be competent and confident in the technology/role you’re applying for. Be passionate about Tech, but more importantly know your own value and worth!"
What are the barriers to entry in tech for women and how do we overcome them?
"I think the barriers are lifting, I have seen so many strong and capable women coming into senior IT roles – and great people leaders. I still think the younger male generation lean towards tech, (due to spending all their spare time gaming! - I have a 12-year-old who plays FIFA 24/7), but we have so many more opportunities now, not just in Tech, but to showcase strong leadership and confidence to challenge the behaviours of old."
Why do you think there is a lack of women in the tech industry?
"It’s changing and over time and is equalling out, but it is still a male dominated industry. I strongly believe that males above females grow up with a more inquisitive interest in technology. We need to encourage females through graduate programmes, mentoring, career succession to build their confidence and prove that they can and will succeed in the IT industry. I feel lucky that the leaders I have worked with have given me the opportunity to work and thrive in this industry."
How has the industry changed since you first started out in tech and what could be improved in the future?
"There is a definite and visible re-addressing of the balance. The IT industry is no longer the male-dominated environment it once was. There is acceptance that a woman can do an equal (or better) job than their male counterpart. I would like to also recognise that men in senior leadership roles have evolved their thinking and acknowledge that women can make great leaders and/or technical engineers. There is still some way to go but the signs and behaviours are very positive."
Archana Palaniappan Analyst Developer
Could you tell us a little bit about your role
"I play a technology functional role. It's a sandwich of Business Analyst and Technical Analyst."
What first started your interest in IT/tech?
"I did a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science. I love logical reasoning and programming, so naturally became interested in IT."
What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech?
"I had to miss some nice opportunities before and after maternity leave."
What are the barriers to entry in tech for women and how do we overcome them?
"I don’t think there is barrier to enter the industry, but continuing for the long years ahead is still challenging."
What advice would you give to any young women aspiring to get into IT/tech roles?
"Keep looking for opportunities and just seize it when it comes anywhere near you. Nothing is impossible."
Why do you think there is a lack of women in the tech industry
"At entry level I see more women than men, but in mid and leadership level, there are only few women. I think it’s because of family responsibilities, childcare, aged parents, family medical needs etc. Men are understanding more these days and taking up equal responsibilities at home and so this trend is slowly changing."
What can be done to increase the number of women in tech, particularly in leadership roles?
"Many companies hire experienced employees for leadership roles. They should instead focus and train their female employees in their organisation for leadership roles. This way they can retain the female force as well."
How has the industry changed since you first started out in tech and what could be improved in the future?
"The IT industry has changed immensely in the last 10 years. Breaks like maternity leave are no longer considered as vacation and women get equal opportunities in onsite travels and projects irrespective of their marital status and child's age. No hiring manager now asks whether you did any certification in your sabbatical period/personal break. Things have changed and are still changing; remote working, training women in leadership roles, new technologies, etc. Flexible working hours can be improved to make the IT world equal for women too."
#embraceequity
Reena Jiwane Test Analyst
Could you tell us a little bit about your role
"As a Lead Test Analyst for Paragon, my role involves ensuring the quality and functionality of software applications by identifying and reporting defects, bugs, and other issues that may impact the software's performance or functionality.
I ensure that the developed applications are of high quality, perform as expected, and meet the needs and expectations of end-users and stakeholders."
What first started your interest in IT/tech?
"My interest in programming and software development started when I was in college, I was learning and experimenting with programming languages, building small projects which sparked an interest in software development and how it can be used to solve problems and create new possibilities motivated me more. Also, the fact that it had potential for career growth and stability as businesses rely on technology to operate."
What are the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech?
"The biggest challenge in this industry is stereotypes and assumptions that women face about their technical abilities, interests and managing work-life balance, especially for married women or a working mother, these can impact their opportunities, pay scale, promotions and further career growth."
What are the barriers to entry in tech for women and how do we overcome them?
"There is the lack of visible female leaders in tech to inspire other women in pursuing this career. To overcome this, companies could create leadership programs for women. As well as promote the accomplishments and contributions of women in tech, they can create a more inclusive and welcoming industry. Providing access to education and training programs, scholarships, and other resources to young aspiring women can help to break down barriers to entry for women in tech."
What advice would you give to any young women aspiring to get into IT/tech roles?
"I would say ‘just go for it, women make the best leaders'. There are lots of opportunities for a career path in tech, which can be explored and excelled on. Women can make a valuable contribution to the IT/tech industry, and the industry needs diverse perspectives and experiences to thrive. Don't be afraid to pursue your passion and make your mark in the tech world. So, find a right mentor, develop your skills, stay up to date with the trends, start building your networks and stay confident and persistent."
What can be done to increase the number of women in tech?
"Provide access to education and training programs, scholarships, and other resources for young aspiring women to enter in tech and once in these roles, create leadership development programs to provide women with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed in senior leadership roles. Also, female leaders will act as an inspiration for young aspiring girls to enter this industry.”
Why do you think there is a lack of women in the tech industry?
“The lack of visible female role models in tech make it difficult for women to envision themselves in these roles, limiting their interest in this career. There is also a lack of support and mentorship with barriers in education and training due to financial or other constraints."
How has the industry changed since you first started out in tech and what could be improved in the future?
“The IT industry has undergone significant changes since I started. There is now an increased awareness and discussion about the lack of women in tech industry and many organisations have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives to retain women in tech roles. Many tech companies are also offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible schedules, which can be beneficial for women who may have care-giving responsibilities. Even though there has been progress in recent years, the industry still struggles with issues of gender inequality. To improve this, we need to take more proactive steps to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce, including women and underrepresented minorities."