Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 13
What kind of impact do you hope to have
in your work, in this industry, or for the next
generation coming behind you?
I’d really love to inspire more women to step into this space, not just in
what I’m doing, but across trades and roles that have traditionally been
seen as male-dominated. That idea of certain jobs being “for men”
or “for women” just doesn’t hold anymore, and I think the more we
challenge that, the better.
If I can encourage even one or two people to try something they might
not have considered, especially if it’s something they felt intimidated by,
that would mean a lot. Sometimes it’s just about showing that it
is possible.
And alongside that, I’d like to make a positive impact in the industry
itself, continue to grow, and contribute to the standards and work we’re
doing. But a big part of it for me is showing that this is a really strong
career path, with real progression and opportunities, and helping more
women see that for themselves.
What are some of the biggest obstacles young
people face in starting their careers today?
I think one of the biggest challenges is the frustration that comes with starting
out. You want to know everything straight away, but the reality is you’re new,
and it takes time to build that knowledge and con昀椀dence.
At the same time, the pace of the industry can feel overwhelming because
there’s always something changing or new to learn. But in a way, everyone
is still learning, just at different stages, so you’re not as far behind as you
might think.
There’s also a positive side to being new. You come in with fresh eyes, and
that can be really valuable. You notice things others might miss. So it’s about
balancing that initial frustration with the understanding that you’re there to
learn, and over time, it all starts to come together.
11