We interviewed Christine Chambers, EMEA Head of IT Security at Nomura International Plc on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
- What does your job role involve?
My team is responsible for managing all aspects of IT Security across EMEA. This includes Cyber Culture and Learning, Threat Intelligence, Incident response and management, Penetration Testing, Data Protection, Policy, Standards and Assessments, Vulnerability Management, Vendor Assessments etc.
- What made you choose a career in technology?
I have always enjoyed the dynamic nature of technology and the fact it touches all areas of our lives. I have been fortunate to work in a number of different Technology teams during my 17 years at Nomura and have seen some significant change.
- Did you study an IT or technology related subject at A-Level or University?
I studies Politics at degree level and then did a MSc. in Business and IT Systems.
- Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
I started at Nomura in 2001 – I had some experience through my degree but nearly all my training has been on the job on or from course I have attended. I was also an avid gamer as a teenager on the Spectrum ZX.
- Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
Yes although I think that is largely down to the pipeline and the fact that there has been a shortage of females studying STEM related disciplines so less female talent coming through. I hope this will change in the coming years.
- Do you find there is a stereotype that a career in IT or technology is just for men?
No – not really I just think that is largely due to the prominent role models that exist who are mostly men however there are a lot of female role models emerging and a lot more interest from females in a career in Technology which can only be good.
- What would entice women to study technology related courses?
I think there is no bigger incentive that seeing positive role models in technology roles as it shows that it is not necessarily a male dominated environment and that women can have a successful career in technology.
- Are there barriers when it comes to women getting into tech?
No – well not that I have seen at Nomura – we take in an equal amount of male and female candidates in our graduate and intern intakes each year.
- How could we encourage more women to start a career in tech?
I think a lot of what is happening currently with female specific tech events and initiatives championing females into technology are going a long way to address this. I also think we need to start encouraging more females throughout schools into STEM subjects so that they don’t become male dominated subjects.
