We interviewed Elise Wood, Senior Business Intelligence Developer at AJ Bell on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
- What does your job role involve?
My job involves looking at a lot of data and ensuring it is fit for purpose. Visualisation of data also plays a big part in enabling the business to get the most from the data.
- What made you choose a career in technology?
I have always been interested in technology, I originally wanted to be computer game designer but when I was at college I found data interesting and realised this was a path I wanted to take.
3. Did you study an IT or technology related subject at A-Level or University?
I studied IT related subjects at A-Level and Business Information Systems at Degree level, both exposed me to the techy subjects of programming, database design and development.
- Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
I have worked in several different Tech positions before my current role, Software Developer, Informatics Manager, BI Developer, Senior BI Developer and BI Scrum Master.
- Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
I think there are few females in the tech sector, in all my roles I am usually the only female on the team.
- Do you find there is a stereotype that a career in IT or technology is just for men?
I don’t think it’s a stereotype I think it’s a fact that there are fewer women than men, and I think that can be off putting for some women.
- What would entice women to study technology related courses?
Female role models in tech that women can aspire to, more women sharing their experience, publicity of meet up groups where experiences can be shared.
- Are there barriers when it comes to women getting into tech?
Information about the roles available, use of language in the job advert and description, being very clear and realistic about the essential and desirable specifications of the Job.
- How could we encourage more women to start a career in tech?
Female role models in tech that women can aspire to, more women sharing their experience, publicity of meet up groups where experiences can be shared.
- What advice would you give young women today at the start of their career?
Stick to what you enjoy, get stuck in, find a female mentor within the business or outside of it, join female driven meet up groups.
