I have worked in IT / Technology since the 80’s, first in India and later in Norway. Earlier in my career, the teams I worked in were often male dominated. About 15 years ago, there was a positive change with many women joining the tech workforce, in the field of Business Intelligence & Analytics in Norway. Today, while numbers may be higher, it seems to me that representation has reduced, and the trend seems to be slowing down or even regressing.
The extensive use of ‘sourcing’ in large companies has caused a shift in the workforce. Women are often the ones that move away from Technology roles to Business development.
During the COVID lockdown, I had the opportunity to talk to Ellie King about my experience with Diversity and Inclusion in Technology companies in Norway.
A summery of these interviews :
In part 1 of this interview, I share insights from my career journey, highlighting the importance of data and my experiences during COVID-19. I describe my role, which involves providing quality data products to help teams make informed decisions, especially during times of uncertainty.
I emphasize my passion for uncovering data-related challenges and the joy of collaborating with my team to create innovative solutions like dashboards. I value continuous learning and have pursued certifications and collaborative projects, including leading the Customer Master Data team.
Reflecting on 14+ years at Nets, I attribute the longevity to opportunities for growth and the ability to shape my role. I discuss the challenges of data governance and talent management and share my advice for aspiring leaders, particularly women, to stay involved, embrace change, and focus on problem-solving.
On work-life balance, I credit supportive family dynamics and Norway’s work culture. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening and experimenting with new recipes, highlighting the importance of personal interests in my life.
In part 2 of the interview, I discuss the challenges and strategies for improving gender diversity in technology, emphasizing that diversity extends beyond gender to include age, ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds.
Regarding the gender balance within my team at Nets, while overall gender representation is relatively good, leadership roles still lack diversity. I highlight a concerning trend where sourcing practices can hinder the advancement of women, particularly those balancing family responsibilities.
I acknowledge the historical male dominance in tech but notes a slowdown in women’s representation, suggesting that women often shift from technical roles to business development.
I stress the importance of women sharing their experiences and showcasing the potential of technology as organized knowledge. I advocate for mentorship, summer coding camps, and engagement with young girls to inspire future generations.
You can read the original interview posts here.
Part 1 : https://www.digitechsearch.com/digitech-community/blog/episode-3-diversity-inclusion-q-a.htm
My beautiful life! 