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The women in tech at PDMS: Tersia Christoforos

Insight Published on 16 March 2023

UX Designer, Tersia Christoforos, started her career in graphic design and here she discusses how having a career in technology has worked for her and women in general.

Tell us about your experience of working in the tech sector

Upon opening my own bespoke design agency, I found that several of my clients needed website design and so I saw this as an opportunity to broaden my service offering and expand my skillset.  

My interest in design stemmed from my love of being creative. I love solving puzzles and enjoy creative processes. Seeing something evolve from nothing to initial concepts through to a fully working system is very satisfying. Therefore, working in tech and in the UX Design field is another extension of expressing myself and has given me a creative outlet whilst at work.

I feel very fortunate to work in a role I enjoy so much and personally, I don’t see myself as a woman in tech but as an individual who is judged on merit.

What are the biggest barriers for women entering the industry?

There are far less women in technology than in many other industries. This could be due to a few factors including an unconscious bias that tech jobs are not for women, and the fact that there are not many well-known female role models in the industry. 

When I was much younger, the main obstacle I faced was that some employers would be reluctant to hire me because I was a young woman and would potentially have children which would require more time off.

However, technology is an industry with so many opportunities and roles available. Plus, the industry is very flexible, meaning that you can work remotely and work flexible hours if needed. You can even freelance and generate your own income out of it without needing to be employed. Therefore, this actually makes tech a great industry for anyone with young children, including women!

"I've found tech is a flexible industry with lots of opportunities for women"

What more can be done to encourage more women to enter the tech industry?

"These conversations need to start at home"

In order to create a more diverse future in the technology industry, the support and encouragement needs to start at home. 

There needs to be more support from parents and caregivers at home and young girls need to be taught to believe in themselves. We need to be having conversations with our daughters to encourage them to follow whatever career path they are interested in – it doesn’t matter what gender they are.

There needs to be more women in leadership roles and mentors to inspire and encourage young women. Having a diverse workforce gives a company a wider perspective, better creativity and problem-solving skills because you see things from another point of view which is always beneficial.

What is your number one piece of advice to younger generations entering the technology industry?

My number one piece of advice would be to never stop learning because it’s an industry that is constantly changing so you cannot expect to do one course and then that’s it. You have to continuously upskill and improve yourself – it’s part of the journey and is part of what makes it interesting because there’s always something new to work on. I would also say to always believe in yourself and step outside of your comfort zone!

If you are interested in a career in tech with PDMS then we would love to hear from you - we're committed to helping people get a start in technology careers! Just send your CV to [email protected] with an email explaining why you think you can fit into the team. 

Topics

  • Technology
  • Our People
  • IWD