Laura

When I first considered a career in IT, technology was something I knew little about beyond using computers. My story is proof that IT is about more than just knowing the ins and outs of code or hardware. It’s about connecting with people, fostering relationships, and using your unique strengths to succeed in an industry constantly evolving.

I began my career in IT through a graduate scheme, this consisted of rotations in various departments such as Sales, Engineering, Service Desk & BAU Resolver Teams, Service Management and Cyber Security. At the end of each rotation, I would present to the Senior Leadership Team in ‘The Apprentice’ style pitches (without the cringey one liners!). I found this experience invaluable; it gave me insight into each department’s priorities, challenges and ways of working. 

Before the graduate scheme, I wasn’t the kind of person who spent hours tinkering with computers or immersed in Low Level Designs. In fact, when I first joined, I wasn’t even sure what a lot of the jargon meant. What I did know was that I loved working with people. I knew how to communicate, how to listen, and how to make people feel comfortable. Over time I picked up the technical aspects to the role, but the people skills gave me a great foundation to build upon.

Building Confidence and Success

After the rotations, I started with leading small-scale projects, gaining the trust of my colleagues and managers by picking up projects in increasing size, scale and complexity and delivering them on time and to budget.

One of my first major projects was a mainframe upgrade for a client. This was a key project due to its operational nature with processing claims with high legal penalties associated to processing failures. I was also working with technology that had been in place years before I was born…The nerves to deliver the project were huge and I must have read that proposal at least 30 times!

From that point onward, I was entrusted with increasingly complex projects, each with operational sensitivity and tight deadlines. My work primarily involved public sector clients, and I truly appreciate the variety my job offers—my assignments have taken me to really diverse environments. I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive impact they’ve had on society and frontline services. It has been so rewarding to hear frontline workers recount how the new solutions we’ve implemented have made reporting easier, sped up paperwork processing, and enhanced their ability to care for society’s most vulnerable, all while improving their work-life balance.

The Challenges I Faced

Early on, I found myself the only woman in a room full of men. It was intimidating at times, especially when I was younger and just starting to find my voice in the field. There were moments when I doubted myself, but over time, I learned that my perspective, my voice, and my skills were just as valuable as anyone else’s. I chose to focus on building my expertise and making sure that the quality of my work spoke louder than anything else. Every new project, every successful deployment, and every client interaction reinforced my belief that I had a place here, just as much as anyone else. That being said… it doesn’t stop imposter syndrome rearing its head when the next new challenging project is allocated.

Age as well as Gender also plays into this. As someone who looks younger than I am, it’s easy for people to underestimate you when they don’t believe you have the experience to back up your words. Over time, I developed strategies to assert my age and professionalism. For instance, I made sure my confidence shone through. I backed up my words with facts and solutions, and I used my approachability to build trust with clients and colleagues. I would occasionally drop in a few well-placed mentions of my professional journey or achievements, not to brag, but to show my experience and capability. I also leaned into my strengths as a personable, relatable individual. It’s not about how I look, it’s about how I make others feel. It’s a unique quality in a field that is sometimes viewed as rigid and impersonal.

Why IT Cloud Infrastructure is Perfect for Women

The lesson I’ve learned in my career is that tech is a people business. Yes, knowledge and skill are important, but they must be complemented by communication, empathy, and the ability to work as a team. At the end of the day, it’s the people behind the systems and software that make everything tick.

Capgemini is championing inclusivity and creating or promoting amazing communities such as Women in Cloud Infrastructure Services (CIS) or Girls Who Code. These communities offer support, resources, and networking opportunities that can be vital for career growth and confidence in a traditionally male-dominated space.

For every woman out there thinking of taking the leap into IT, I say go for it. The tech industry is vast, and there is room for all of us. Remember to embrace the challenges and don’t shy away from tough projects, even if they push you outside of your comfort zone. Your voice, your skills, and your perspective are needed in this industry and whether you’re the technical expert or the connector who makes sure things run smoothly between people, your value is immeasurable.