We interviewed Katy Shaw Phillips, Tech Graduate at IAG Tech on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
1. What does your job role involve?
I work for International Airlines Group as an IAG Tech grad where I am undergoing placements in a variety of tech roles. I am focusing on data science and software development, for example, my most recent placement involved doing front end development for the Aer Lingus website. I had no experience in this area but undertook various training to get me adding code to the website within just a few months.
2. What made you choose a career in technology?
My academic background is in STEM subjects, and I studied Maths at degree level so there was always some crossover with tech in my studies. However, whilst at university, I realised that my passion lay in the real-world technical applications of maths, for example, data science and analytics, rather than the theoretical content. Working in tech is always exciting as it is so fast-paced and there are constantly new applications of technology emerging that we can make use of.
3. Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
Whilst in my last year of university I wasn’t 100% sure on what I wanted to do as a career, so I was drawn to the IAG Tech grad programme as it offered a range of technology-based roles. This has given me the opportunity to get involved in such a wide range of activities and has helped me to figure out which areas of tech I am most interested in. I have been able to learn a huge amount in such a short time and gain lots of technical and soft skills, whilst picking up knowledge in such an interesting industry.
4. Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
There is a definite lack of women working in IT and although it has improved more recently there still needs to be a push to increase the proportion of women in tech, especially in senior management roles. However, since starting my grad scheme, I have felt supported and have not noticed any difference in treatment because of my gender which is promising for the future of women in tech. I am grateful to have successful women in management positions to look up to and I am lucky enough to be part of a mentoring group, specifically looking at how to break the habits that hold back many women in the workplace.
