It is no secret that there are not as many women in the tech industry as there should be.
To celebrate Girls in ICT Day, we wanted to talk to some very talented women working with Talexio about their experience working in this industry to hopefully inspire other girls who are interested in IT.
We spoke to Elsa, Talexio’s Operations Manager, Simpy, one of our Software Developers and Laura, our HR Manager.
Here’s what they had to say.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Elsa: I graduated in Psychology in 2010 and spent several years working with different teams in market research, IT project management and marketing. In 2018, I joined Preeo as a project manager and later focused solely on the Talexio product, where I now take care of operations and client satisfaction.
Simpy: I completed my B-Tech in 2014. In the early stage of my career, I joined Marlabs Pvt Ltd as a Trainee Engineer. After two years, I joined Iqvia Company as a Software Developer. In 2019, I left my job and started my masters in computer Science at EPITA in Paris. In my final semester, I worked six months at a scale company as an intern. When I completed my master’s, I started working with Preeo Software.
Laura: I am a graduate in Social Work, and I moved into recruitment in 2013. In 2017, I moved into HR and started collaborating with Talexio and their development team. One of the best things about working with technical people is that they always find a way to help me automate specific tasks, helping me be more efficient.
How did you end up in your career path?
Elsa: I originally aspired to be a psychologist, hence my University Degree. However, after graduation, I started working as a market research executive, and I identified certain personality traits which paved the way to a different career path. From then on, I naturally progressed into roles that allowed me to hone these skills.
Simpy: Throughout my education and work experience, I was constantly learning about different technologies and developing my skills, so it was natural for me to continue working with IT companies.
Laura: I think it was mostly by accident, nobody plans to work in recruitment and dreams to land such a significant role with a great company, but I must say it was the best thing ever!
Who inspires you?
Elsa: Many people deserve mention. In general, I am fascinated by people who can take a concept and find a way to turn it into a usable business solution.
Simpy: I am inspired by people ready to take risks, change, adapt and not be afraid of failure.
Laura: There is not a particular tech person per se that inspires me. However, I read Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord, who was the HR Leader for Netflix, and as a tech company, I was really inspired by their operations and how they built the excellent tech team that they have.
What are the benefits of women working in tech?
Elsa: Every person brings a different perspective to the table. Also, another woman in tech is another step to breaking the gender stereotype.
Simpy: As time goes by, more women are working in tech, as more tech companies continue to practise equal pay, family-friendly policies, etc. I think this is great as we as women bring new ideas to the workplace.
Laura: I think women and men can bring different perspectives to any workplace, and together they can do great things.
What advice would you give to women who want a tech career?
Elsa: You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Believe in yourself.
Simpy: Be ready to learn new skills and always stay up to date with the latest tech.
Laura: Just go for it!
Did you ever face any obstacles? If so, what?
Elsa: Male-dominated industries can be more challenging because a woman might need to fight more to prove her worth and be taken seriously. The best-case scenario is to find a team that values your opinion and sees you as an equal. The reality is, you need to strive to develop this. Keeping yourself knowledgeable about your industry and believing in your ideas will help you build a reputation that can contest these stereotypes.
Simpy: Anyone can struggle to learn something new, but I do my best to not give up. In the past, I didn’t get the results that I expected. But I kept myself motivated because I knew that I should keep trying until I get what I want.
Laura: I face obstacles, of course, but not because I am a woman or because I am in tech. The obstacles I face are because I want to develop and grow as a professional constantly, and no growth comes without challenge!
What are you most proud of in your career?
Elsa: Being involved in Talexio. From the first lines of code, up until releasing the new product on the market, and getting fantastic reviews from clients. Seeing the project go from ideation to fruition, and becoming one of the most successful product offerings in the local market, is a very satisfying experience.
Simpy: Throughout my career, I got the chance to work on various technologies because I am pretty flexible with new skills and interested in learning and working on new things.
Laura: I am humbled by how much I have learned. The learning journey in my career makes me very proud.
What do you enjoy most about working with Talexio?
Elsa: Without sounding pompous, I believe that we are excellent at what we do. We manage to develop practical solutions that make a difference and provide our clients with outstanding product and service. Not to mention, I am grateful to work with a tight-knit team who always bring their A-game.
Simpy: This is my second week working at Talexio, and I’m enjoying it so far and am proud of the quality work we are doing. I am getting a chance to work on new technologies, and everyone is accommodating and friendly.
Laura: Innovation! The product is making HR professional’s lives easier. Also, I enjoy working with an exceptional team of professionals with a great work ethic and sense of humour!
What are your future plans?
Elsa: We have very ambitious plans at Talexio, and I’m very excited for this next chapter of growth, both for the team and myself.
Simpy: I’m excited to continue working in development and to continue doing whatever makes me happy.
Laura: To do my best at every point in time.