Women in tech at PDMS: Rachael Kinrade

For International Women’s Day, we spoke to Rachael Kinrade about her experience of the technology sector and what she thinks could be done to support diversity in the industry.

"I love working in tech. My role as an analyst means that I cover both business analysis and testing. No two days are the same and I get to work with a group of amazing people!"

Tell us about your experience of working in the tech sector 

In previous jobs there were occasions where I was treated differently to my male peers. For example, assumptions were made that as the only woman in the room, I would take the meeting notes or organise coffee when in reality, there were several same level/ability men in the room who could also have done those things.

Luckily, that’s not something I have faced at PDMS. Never have I been made to feel that there is something I can’t do or achieve. There are a lot of amazing women working here and in senior leadership – we are all treated equally and presented with the same opportunities.

What changes have you seen between your first job and now?

When I entered the workforce fresh from leaving school, I worked in an office and then as a cashier at a local bank. A career in tech wasn’t an option which was ever presented to me to consider; it wasn’t something that was known about, especially among young women like me.

If there were any system issues that needed attention it was always a man that was called to fix it and that was just the way it was. Fast forward 20 years and tech is an option for all school leavers!

I recently volunteered at the island's STEMFest to promote Science Tech Engineering and Mathematics to primary school children. The level of engagement from the kids, girls especially, was amazing to see. Kids now grow up knowing that tech is an option, and that irrelevant of their gender, they can have a successful career in the industry if they want to.

What do you think are the biggest barriers for women to enter the tech industry? 

There is still an overwhelming assumption amongst working-age women that tech is for men, and not enough knowledge of the different roles that are available. I didn’t start out working in tech, but I did gain all the skills I needed from other roles which allowed me to move into the industry.

Curiosity, creativity, an eye for detail, good communication – these are all desired skills in the tech industry. You do not have to learn to code to work in tech, but if that’s something that does interest you, the number of female developers is growing all the time!

What is your one piece of advice for the future generations entering the tech industry? 

There are so many varied and interesting roles in the industry which do not require the ability to write code. My advice would be to talk to women in the industry – there are lots of great organisations to help women get into tech.

Also, things like digital apprenticeships offer an alternative route in – if tech interests you, it’s worth taking a bit of time to explore all the options and different career paths available.

If you are interested in a career in tech with PDMS then we would love to hear from you - we're committed to helping people get a start in technology careers! Just send your CV to [email protected] with an email explaining why you think you can fit into the team.