Here at Personal Group we have interviewed three of our most valued female technicians to give their opinion on what it’s like to work in an industry that is typically dominated by men. We are doing this not only to encourage women to defeat these glass boundaries, but to celebrate the amazing work that our technicians do every day.

Glory Nandigam - Systems Developer

I develop web applications such as Dashboards, APIs, iPad applications and design and manage backend data. My typical day consists of serving multiple requests of users, designing new systems and maintaining the existing ones to the highest standard. When I didn’t know what to study, I wanted to be a scientist, but as I progressed through education, I considered a career as a doctor. After considering my options and my skillset, I concluded that technology was the right choice for me.

Dipika Patel – Systems Developer 

My job consists of many different things day to day, but it includes; Data imports, Customer/Client Queries, setting up new product pages, site amends, building apps, HTML voucher set ups and configuring client platforms. I also tend to deal with customer refunds for returned vouchers, conduct investigations when users are unable to use a specific part of the platform and overall working with developers to improve customer experience. I previously worked in finance, but I always had a passion for technology because it fascinated me. I would always fix issues with family or friends PC’s/mobile devices etc. and it gave a sense of satisfaction so to speak. I decided I would try and pursue this, and I suppose moving from London to Milton Keynes pushed me towards this more.

Chandni Nalinkumar - Application Support Analyst

My typical days are logging and reporting issues including software failures, bugs etc., reporting progress on any bug fixes, testing new software releases on the live environment, checking logs and monitoring performance of various applications, participating in reviewing new features development and dealing with user support emails and telephone calls to ensure that these are dealt with accordingly in a professional, timely and empathetic manner in line with SLA`s. When I was looking to get a degree after school, I wanted to go into civil engineering. However, there were no good universities in Africa for this field. This is where I decided to explore computer engineering as there were universities nearby for this area and had multiple opportunities.

I don’t think it’s any secret that many women in the tech industry have felt their gender has affected the way that they are perceived or treated. Have you ever been in a situation like that? How did you handle it?

Glory Nandigam - “Personally, I don’t think gender impacts any industry. We just need to believe in ourselves and be confident. I don’t feel that I have ever been treated differently at my workplace, simply because they respect my work and what I’ve achieved regardless of my gender.”

Chandni Nalinkumar – “I still feel it’s very much man’s world. If you look at most of the technology teams both in and out of the UK, majority of them are made up of men. Also, from experience I have found it particularly difficult to get part time jobs in this field while also trying to juggle parenthood but be able to work too. There is limited acceptance for this, as I think people doubt the capabilities of someone with less flexible hours.”

What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

Dipika Patel – “I would say that the best part about being female in this industry is being apart of and at the forefront of new and exciting things happening in the world of technology. How it has and will impact our future is such an insightful prospect to work within and gives us a platform to make important changes.”

Glory Nandigam – “The best part of being in technology is having overall awareness of the business process. This role has given me ample opportunity to know everyone in the business because we are involved with every other team. More than anything it allows us to get involved and help others, not to mention we are at the core of the systems that make the business run smoothly.”

Do you notice a lack of women in technology? If so, why do you think that’s the case?

Chandni Nalinkumar – “I do notice yes, especially when in my previous role as software developer there was a significant lack of female roles. I think it’s a very fast paced environment, you have to keep up with new software and devices and constantly be willing to learn. In order to do this job and be successful you need to have passion. This can be made difficult as some women chose to have other priorities, which is an unfair divide.”

Dipika Patel – “No, not as much as before when in previous roles with very little diversity. However, saying that I still don’t feel there are enough women in tech. I think women are scared or potentially worried they may not understand it, or that it is somewhat intimidating. From experience, if you are in the right workplace for you, you shouldn’t be afraid to take the leap. I am confident in my ability and can say it is amazing and so exciting!”

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

Glory Nandigam – “No industry gives anyone a place to work unless they have right skills and the right attitude. Both are equally important. Any woman who has both qualities and is confident in her ability to succeed would be a valuable asset within tech and be a good influence on a business.”

Chandni Nalinkumar – “I would say if you are looking for job, it isn’t the same boring task every day, which is what I assumed it would be. There is definitely variety regardless of your position. More than anything you can make changes within your company for the better and can use your voice to do so. If you feel happy that your work will help other people and you get satisfaction from seeing that improvement, then this industry is the one for you.”

Dipika Patel – “If I could give any advice it would be to go for it 100% and try and not let misconceptions throw you off. It can seem like a scary industry due to the lack of diversity but if you are passionate then you will succeed. Something I wish I had known is how welcoming the industry really is.”

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