Women in IT- Product scientist

Women in IT- Product scientist

As an ode to the Women this month we will be profiling a few leading ladies in the Information Technology (IT) sector. Statistics show that there’s still a gender bias in the tech industry, and this keeps too many women from even considering such a career. Statistics further show that:- Only 25% of computing jobs are held by women. This is a number that has been on a steady decline for years.- From 1980 to 2010, 88% of all IT patents were by male-only invention teams, while 2 percent were by female-only invention teams. So essentially, the technology being created for a widely varying and diverse population is formed by a generally homogeneous group. Not ideal.- 12 percent of engineers at Silicon Valley start-ups are women. Only 11 percent of executive positions at Silicon Valley companies are held by women.

We chat briefly to Amy about her journey in the IT space.

1. Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

I’m a Product Scientist and Solutions Architect.
My typical day starts with a cup of coffee in hand at home, with my beautiful Jack Russel and Golden Retriever sitting at my feet. I like to get emails and “admin work” out the way, first thing, so I can get into the office at 9:30 am, to chat with friends. This lets me dive right into the work. It’s one of the perks of working at a progressive tech company like SovTech, being able to work from anywhere.

At SovTech they like to call me a product scientist which can be described as a “mix-breed” – a data-driven product analyst cross solution architect.
Every day my goal is to work towards advancing SovTech’s client’s products using analytical insights. Depending on my client’s needs, I implement different methods to ensure their vision comes to life.

Namely:

• Feature expansion — Ensure that engineering teams have all the prioritization, dev tasks, and user stories documentation.
• UX / UI design — Provide designers with the UX research, wireframes, and specifications needed to start building.
• Technical deep dive — Apply a disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of systems.
• Engineering Roadmap — Build a roll-out plan for the key features, that will fit into a series of developmental sprints

At the end of the day, it is all worth it when you see the smiles on your client’s faces.

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2. Did always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do? Why did you decide to go into IT?

Nope, I had no idea! I stumbled across Information Technology at university in my first year. I randomly selected some “Techie” modules to fill up my credits and before I knew it, I had graduated in Information Science. I loved the power of knowledge in “information” and what “tech” had to offer the world and decided to specialise further after finishing my IS degree.
I have now been involved in IT for six years and find it energising – there is always something new to learn and conquer.

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3. What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

We can multitask like a boss. I mean, Hello? Texting, applying makeup, looking up directions, feeling happy, free, confused and lonely – all at the same time. Haha! No really – It’s imperative to own this quality in the tech industry! Being able to manage, analyse and give feedback on over 10 different projects in detail at once and nailing it – it’s intense. But adding value by using this quintessentially female quality is so satisfying and is the driving force behind our success in this ever-changing industry.

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4. What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

“Software is eating the world, so if you’re not in your out!” – I wish I had known and come to realize this phrase sooner. I believe it is critical to not only women but all youths out there. We need to be exposed to technology from a young age to even survive in this competitive market. More than that, women need to have that edge that makes them different from the rest, as we have to fight a bit harder to get into the tech field.

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5. What woman inspires you and why?

I am a crazy fan of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). So I am definitely going to have to go with Captain Marvel – a Fighter Pilot boss leader woman.
As embarrassing as it is, I have always wanted to be a real-life superhero with superpowers. One of the most cheer-worthy and powerful moments in the film was when Captain Marvel ripped the inhibitor off of her neck and fought against the Supreme Intelligence. Her powers are immense, and she is able to show everyone just how strong she is. Many women can relate to this feeling of being inhibited by society or others around them, and realizing just how powerful they truly are is both exciting and thrilling moment. Seeing this represented on screen was definitely empowering for me.

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6. Do you think we should all code to be in the tech industry?

I would say it is more important to have a passion and hunger for tech and to think outside the box. My philosophy is that if you want to be successful in anything, you have to love it.

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7. What have you sacrificed (both personally and professionally) at each stage of your career?

Being in the early stages of my career, at times I feel pressure and need to succeed. Maybe it’s because I’m young with few “major” responsibilities, or that I am passionate about what I do, but it has come at a cost to the balanced lifestyle I try to uphold. I do have a tendency to work harder and in turn, I’ve sacrificed family and social time. Note to self – “find your balance”.

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8. What would you say to a girl/ lady considering getting into the IT industry?

If you enjoy solving worldwide problems, then this is the career for you my lady friend!

Get in touch with SovTech today!

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