We interviewed Lucy Mair, Consultant at Information Services Group on her experience and thoughts on women in tech.
- What does your job role involve?
As a consultant at ISG, a leading global technology research and advisory firm, I work with a variety of clients to achieve operational excellence and faster growth. At my current client I’m providing sourcing advisory support for a service integration partner and a test service partner.
- What made you choose a career in technology?
From a young age I was always very technology savvy, I would always be called to fix the printer or get calls from my Mum to show her how to sort her iTunes library. Consultancy was a field I wanted to get into and when looking for jobs after university I found ISG, a technology consultancy, and it seemed like a perfect fit. So, I somewhat stumbled into it, but I’ve never turned back!
- Did you study an IT or technology related subject at A-Level or University?
No, I studied Economics at university.
- Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
Yes, my first internship I worked at an IT support business, and I also interned at an e-business firm that specialised in marketing services.
- Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
Yes, I think in some sectors and specific functions of IT and Technology there are a lack of females. For example, in the development side it is particularly male orientated. However, in other functions of IT, procurement, for example, there is more of an equal balance.
- Do you find there is a stereotype that a career in IT or technology is just for men?
I think the stereotype has dramatically reduced in recent years, but it’s still there, in particular for some of the older generation.
- What would entice women to study technology related courses?
I think there needs to be more of a focus on technology in schools and during A levels, in particular some of the amazing careers and opportunities that can stem from studying technology. The technical low-level detail IT may put some people off. Maybe if women were more informed of the opportunities they would be a lot more likely to get involved and study technology related courses.
- Are there barriers when it comes to women getting into tech?
No I don’t think there are barriers, I think it comes down to numbers, fewer women studying technology in university, therefore fewer women applying for technology related roles.
- How could we encourage more women to start a career in tech?
I think it stems from getting women into technology from as early an age as possible. Schools and colleges should encourage women to study technology and make them aware of the exciting career options. To reach women who don’t study a technology related course – business and economic grads, for example – technology firms need to go to university careers fairs and inform future graduates on the opportunities that are out there, to show them that a career in technology can be for them.
To find out more about working with ISG, Click here.
