We interviewed Preeti Thukaram, Senior Manager Automation at Invenics Limited on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
1. What does your job role involve?
I lead the automation service line in Invenics. I oversee all aspects of the delivery process- from design, development to deployment. I am part of the sales team in a presales capacity and engage with prospective clients introducing them to automation. From an advisory role, I help create digital transformation roadmaps for customers. Part of my job is to work with my HR team to build our offshore development/sales teams and retain top talent. Also, an important responsibility is to engage with partners to maintain healthy partnerships and leverage on their expertise. Participate in cross-team discussions to identify cross-sell opportunities and avoid overlaps. To review content that the social media team shares to the outside world is a new responsibility.
2. What made you choose a career in technology?
Being an engineering graduate with a bachelors in Electronics and Communication Engineering, the first job offer I received was for developing software. I liked the nature of the job and since then progressed along with the trends and technology and arrived here.
3. Did you study an IT or technology related subject at A-Level or University?
I studied in India and yes I did choose high levels in physics, chemistry, maths and biology in equivalents to GCSE and A Levels in the UK. In university, the bachelors degree was to study Electronics and Communication Engineering.
4. Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
Yes. I have been working in the same field since I passed out of university but having said that with the changes in technology and industry challenges, I constantly upskill myself.
5. Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
No. There are enough women in the IT and tech sector. It is only that they choose to drop off for personal reasons-to take care of young or old ones in the family.
6. Do you find there is a stereotype that a career in IT or technology is just for men?
In a subtle way – yes. I am actively involved in hiring, we receive the same number of candidates from both genders. Girls choose to come into IT. But having been in this field for 20 years now, I find that some men in the industry try to make women comfortable in meetings or discussions which is irritating. Women should be just treated as equals. Putting them on a pedestal or encouraging their special ‘lady’ skills is also a stereotype. I have been asked ‘why/how women are so good at multitasking’ by so many male colleagues.
7. What would entice women to study technology related courses?
As I said, they are just like boys. No need to entice them. Let them chose their area of interest and they will shine in it. Some people are naturally inclined to technology and they will choose it.
8. Are there barriers when it comes to women getting into tech?
I have lived in India, Japan, Singapore, UK (since 2021) and I find that there are no barriers today. Most IT companies offer the same opportunities and salaries. Universities and colleges show no bias. The world is a better place today. However, there are some areas like 24*7 IT Support and call centre jobs which pose a challenge to women.
9. How could we encourage more women to start a career in tech?
Children should be given equal opportunities since childhood and be allowed to follow their passion. Many countries (including India) have seen a paradigm shift in girlchild education in the last few decades. Encouragement by means of scholarships, programmes are in place. We do not want women to choose based on these incentives just to drop off later. There should be an inherent interest in the STEM subjects to choose a career in IT.
10. What advice would you give to young women at the start of their career?
Give it your best as you do in all other walks of your life. It is no different from any other career. The mantra is the same – dedication and lifelong learning.
