Why technology is not just for tech people

A surprisingly diverse range of skills can be useful to work in the technology sector - if women only know.

women in technology using transferrable skills

Relocate Editorial

27 February 2020

Jess Lancashire

As Jess Lancashire, now a Director at Solis Digital, found through using her transferrable skills, becoming a tech entrepreneur is not just for people who know about technology.A study of 2,000 students by PWC in 2017 said that females aren’t considering technology as a career, with only 3% of women saying it would be their first choice. In Jess’s view, young women are not given enough information on what working in the sector involves, and technology is rarely put forward as an option to them.Jess is inspired to get women to realise they have the same opportunities and skills as men do - all they have to do is know about them.

From social work to technology

Jess knew nothing about technology, or so she thought. Now a Director at Solis Digital, working with clients such as AirBus, London Ambulance Service and Rolls-Royce, Jess reflects on the moment she realised the high pressure, ever-changing environment and problem-solving skills she had gained in social work were suited to a career in tech - despite common societal constraints for women.While attending a Claris conference, Jess realised she had all the skills needed to carve a career in tech - but due to a lack of female role models and awareness provided for women, she'd never been inspired to look into opportunities. She says, "I had the skills, I just didn’t know it".

Her whole career had focused on looking after the most vulnerable in society and ensuring they receive the best service from the resources to which they should have access "The high pressure, ever changing environment meant problem solving, whilst keeping a professional service, was just part of everyday work life for me".

Common denominators

Jess Lancashire continues, "The high pressure environment in the public sector is only made worse by red tape, inefficient process, outdated rigid systems and consultants charging millions to make the smallest of changes that could have a huge impact on real peoples lives. I believed with my skills I could make a difference. I set out to find a way in which I could improve my team’s process so we could spend our time focusing on the work that matters most!"Not everyone in tech is sitting behind their computers coding all day. Through looking at her career and experience through a wider lens, Jess realised the tech industry is full of opportunities for people with all different types of skills - and Jessica wants to pass that message on to other women.

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