When did your love of STEM begin?

I started in tech in July of 2021 and have been loving it since! My background was in customer service (coming from retail) and I wanted to try something different and apply my skills in a new environment. The world of tech always interested me because of the seemingly abundant opportunities but I wasn't sure where I would fit in with my skills. The thing I love about tech is that there is a role for everyone - I truly believe that! I ended up getting hired at an amazing company with great company culture, strong leadership, and a clear vision that inspires me every day. My love of STEM continues to grow each day and I know that I have found an industry where I can grow my career for many years to come.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

The development opportunities to develop and the people. There are so many incredible STEM companies out there right now and lots of them are growing quickly. That brings tons of opportunities, new roles, and innovation, and it's exciting to be a part of that growth. Instead of seeing my career development as linear, I see it as completely open to exciting changes and pivots. There is always something to learn in the field of STEM and truly tons of opportunities to develop.

I also have met so many people in various roles since working in STEM. People from all different types of backgrounds, career paths, education levels etc. And the people I meet and work with are like-minded, driven, and inspiring. I love the people I work with and that is definitely one of my favourite parts of working in STEM.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM?

I would say think about what your strengths and your interests are. Then think about the type of company you would like to work for and what values you would like that company to have. From there, it’s all about exploring to find something that fits well with what you are looking for! And I would say that it’s okay to start somewhere to get your foot in the door. You will start to build new skills and knowledge of the industry quickly, and soon more doors will open.