Celebrating Women in Tech: International Women’s Day 2023
Tier 2 celebrates Women in Tech as part of International Women’s Day 2023.
Women are still in the minority in the technology sector – just 26% of the tech workforce are women. International Women’s Day have called for more visible role models, sharing thatdiverse role models can empower women and girls in STEM.
This International Women’s Day, Tier 2 is sharing the experiences of two of our expert delivery team on what it is like to work in the technology sector and at Tier 2!
Meet Unna and Tanisha.
Unna is an expert Software Developer who joined Tier 2 in July 2019 after much experience across many projects and business verticals.
Tanisha is an experienced Software Tester who joined Tier 2 as a Test Analyst in June 2022 with 10+ years of IT industry experience.
“I was always interested in the software industry. I was born in the 80’s, and I have seen how technology has evolved the world – from writing postal letters to email and quick messages, from landline phones to smart phones. The only constant unit is change itself, and that keeps me interested in staying closer to the ever-changing dynamics within Technology.”
Tanisha Dewan
Software Tester, Tier 2 Consulting
Both Unna and Tanisha graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science as their entry pathway into the Technology sector.
“I did my degree out of interest in ever-evolving technology. It challenges us to keep up with new things. It makes me happy to see the final result from our development work, and the end product often helps many people in their daily activities.”
Unna Arunachalam
Software Developer, Tier 2 Consulting
Working in the technology field
What does a typical day look like for you?
Unna: The day starts with a ‘scrum’ meeting, in which we discuss our work for the day and discuss anything which might prevent us from achieving that. My day will involve delivery of a feature decided in a separate ‘Sprint planning’ meeting, where our daily tasks are assigned.
Tanisha: The team introspects on the progress made on a goal day before, and we outline our actions as a team. We understand our involvement and collaboration. Quality Assurance as an activity and process is always embedded in all my interactions. Constant communication & collaboration is the key across any success of the project. I must say, no two days are same.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Unna: The end product that we develop and thinking outside the box during the delivery process is what I love in this particular role.
Tanisha: I enjoy ensuring that the project we deliver meets the quality standards as expected from Tier 2. The culture at Tier 2 also provides a great work-life balance.
What are some challenges in your role?
Unna: In some projects there will be lack of resources/tools to carry forward things in a productive way. It is crucial to raise concerns early during tight deadlines. Frequently changing requirements of different tasks and time management can also be challenging – as is keeping updated with the evolving technologies!
Tanisha: IT products require recurrent revamping to stay ahead of its competition, leading to ever changing business requirements. This desire impacts downstream IT system to be maintained and tested for historical and newer versions. While this opens up the opportunity for delivering innovative automation – this is challenging too sometimes!
Working at Tier 2
How flexible is your role with work/ life balance?
Unna: Tier 2 is very flexible. The atmosphere and individuals make it easier to work during demanding timelines. We now have a flexible work from home option, allowing us to conserve time and energy.
Tanisha: My husband and I have two girls. As the kids grow up, we need to switch between work and life throughout the day. I am thankful to Tier 2 for providing a wonderful opportunity for me to learn and contribute while maintaining a healthy work life balance.
What is your favourite part about working at Tier 2?
Unna: My favourite part working with Tier 2 is mainly people/individuals as they listen, respect, and trust your thoughts/opinion. It is easy to get along. There are lots of joyful activities and fun at office as well.
Tanisha: Helpful teammates!
My role involves heavy collaboration between the Development team and IT Managers to deliver my part of the role. The information flow is fluid over the instant messaging platform we use here, and it facilitates in getting the job done.
Aspirations, Inspirations, and Advice
What are your career ambitions?
Unna: To design and architect systems; improve performance of the existing system; and to develop my leadership and organisational skills.
Tanisha: For the foreseeable future, I aspire to rise in the career ladder and reach to Lead position. I am happy to stay in any role in longevity, with a commitment to learning and performance.
Who or what inspires you?
Unna: I admire people who have achieved from nothing and those who possess unique qualities to help us transform our lives to a better position. Those that encourage us to always be brave and bold in life. It starts with my Mum (of course.)
Tanisha: I get inspired from anyone who is shining in their job, managing kids, and keeping up with fitness. I prefer to absorb any little out of anybody who excels in my field of interests.
What would you say to encourage young people to choose STEM subjects at school?
Unna: STEM subjects are always interesting when you like them. Choose the subjects based on your interest and passion. Break the stereotype that holds you back from the STEM world. You will become more creative and technologically strong when you study STEM.
Tanisha: I suggest all children give their full determination in their chosen field of interest. It may be STEM or otherwise. Find and apply your inner passion in it. No journey will ever be smooth, but with wisdom and practice you can accommodate easily. STEM can widen up lot of future possibilities. Just follow your dreams and never give up.
What advice would you give to women who want to work in tech?
Unna: There is a lot of scope in the future for tech careers. Women should start getting into it without any hesitation. The future belongs to those who dare to dream, and creating new things using technology will help humanity and the environment we live in today.
Tanisha: I would welcome the idea whole heartedly. There is ample free information on public platforms to quickly learn and prepare for what lies ahead. There are superb mentors who are ready to support and take you forward in your journey. It’s all about interest, patience and persistence.
Would the technology sector benefit from having more women in tech?
Unna: Yes, a gender equal workforce would greatly benefit the industry and attract talent and people with a different perspective and ideas. In turn this will lead to a better society economically and technologically.
Tanisha: I believe that it’s not there industry wide yet. And it is progressing in right direction. We are humans first and a workforce later. We need to appreciate each other’s requirements other than workplace whilst staying employed. If the employer is like Tier 2, who offers flexibility and compassion for female employees, I am sure there are lots of women in tech willing to work (or return).
Careers at Tier 2
Tier 2 is a team of experts and we’re very, very good at what we do. Our people are our biggest asset and we value them highly. Our award-winning team work on a variety of projects across multiple sectors, including biotech, insurance, automotive, and the public sector. We pride ourselves on being the best in our chosen disciplines. As well as self-study and on-project mentoring, staff formal training programmes are geared towards achieving industry-recognised accreditations. If you want to be recognised as an expert in your field; and to continue to be so within the fast-paced IT environment, then please get in touch.
About Tier 2
Tier 2 Consulting works in partnership with our customers to understand their business challenges, and deliver custom software solutions using modern, open-source, cloud-native technology and an agile project approach. You can read more about our business, our clients, and our history here.
