‘Women already working in tech can actively become role models and inspire other women to have a career in tech’
- Courtney Cox, Associate Software Developer
How did you decided you want a career in Engineering?
I stumbled across coding as part of my degree in Digital Media at the University of Leeds, I wasn’t aware it really existed up until this point. I had a compulsory module called Interface Design where we learnt the basics of HTML and CSS. Needless to say, from there I was hooked and decided to teach myself more.
I hadn’t considered a career in technology before and it wasn’t something that was really showcased to us at school/college. From there, I decided I wanted to get some work experience and applied for the Sky’s software engineering summer internship, luckily, I was accepted onto the internship and learnt loads about ways of working, agile and new technologies.
I also completed the Code First Girls Introduction to Web Development course where I learnt how to build a website, connected with other women interested in learning to code and designed and developed a website with a group of women.
I was encouraged to apply for a role in tech and what inspired me to apply was seeing women from all kinds of backgrounds and that most of them didn’t have a computer science degree and some decided to switch career and now work in the tech industry. This was amazing to hear as if they could do it then I could too!
What’s the best thing about being a woman in Engineering?
I would say being able to inspire more women to pursue a career in tech and push for gender diversity in the workplace. And the fact there is always something new to learn as tech is one of the most innovative and exciting industries to enter.
Have you faced any challenges in your role and how did you overcome them?
I have and sometimes still deal with imposter syndrome on a daily basis. I overcome this by listing my achievements and what I have learnt at the end of the week and by reminding myself I don’t need to know everything, and it is ok to ask for help. Moreover, to not put pressure on myself and compare myself to only myself.
How would you encourage more women to consider Engineering as a career?
Educate women about opportunities in tech roles and the various pathways on careers in technology by sharing experiences and guidance. Women already working in tech can actively become role models and inspire other women to have a career in tech.
Outside of work I am a Code First Girls Alumni and have now gone onto become a Fellow and Web Dev Instructor and I am also a GirlCode Ambassador. I do a lot of volunteering outside of work and take part in talks at my college to inspire more women into tech.