We recently interviewed Adele Coetzee, Platform Engineer at Polystream on her thoughts and experience on Women in Tech.
- What does your job role involve?
Developing and supporting Desktop applications and services for the platform.
- What made you choose a career in technology?
Computers intrigued me from the first time I saw one, at school I developed an aptitude for programming and just continued with it.
- Did you study an IT or technology related subject at A-Level or University?
Yes, Computer Science in school and a degree in Information systems analysis and design.
- Did you get any work experience in IT or technology before this role?
Yes, I have been working in Technology for over 20 years.
- Do you think there is a lack of females in the IT and tech sector?
Yes
- Do you find there is a stereotype that a career in IT or technology is just for men?
Not necessarily, I would just say the nature of work in technology appeals to men more than it does to most women.
- What would entice women to study technology related courses?
Not sure
- Are there barriers when it comes to women getting into tech?
It is possible that people’s attitude towards women who wants to work in tech does not always make them feel welcome, but I do not feel there are any barriers specific to women that would stop them.
- How could we encourage more women to start a career in tech?
Maybe make more visible what it involves to work in IT. It would not appeal to everyone, but it could make women see it from a different perspective.
- What advice would you give young women today at the start of their career?
Keep learning and updating your skills, update your CV yearly to make sure your skills are still relevant and up to date.
