The future of technology should be shaped by diverse voices. That’s why we are proud to spotlight the incredible women in our team who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, tackling challenges, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the field.
This article is part of a series of interviews with our team who share their careers experiences. Meet our next interviewee: Emma Thompson, IT Cloud Services Account Manager at Netcentrix.
💡What is your current role?
My current role revolves around building and maintaining relationships with our existing client base. I am responsible for ensuring that the cloud and other IT services provided meet the client’s needs and expectations, whilst driving business growth. As an IT Account Manager at Netcentrix, I specialise in managed services, support, Azure cloud services, cyber security, modern workplace technologies, and hardware procurement. I work remotely, engaging clients across various sectors, and help them evolve their IT infrastructure while ensuring solutions remain future-proof.
💡How did you get started in IT?
I have a number of years’ experience as an Account Manager and fell into the IT sector by accident almost 10 years ago now when looking for a new AM role! At the time, I was seeking a new challenge and joined a IT Services and IT Consulting business, where I quickly found a passion for technology and the difference it can make for businesses.
💡Can you share a little about your career to date?
Started out working in Recruitment after graduating from university, followed by career progression within a Garage Door company to General Manager of Internet Sales, then into another AM role and finally into IT as an AM which I have been doing now for almost 10 years. During my time in Internet Sales, I gained strong experience managing online channels which gave me great grounding for working in the tech space. My transition into IT Account Management came naturally due to my commercial background and client-focused approach. Since then, I’ve spent nearly a decade working with SMEs to deliver tailored IT and telecoms solutions.
💡What is it about technology that keeps you engaged and passionate about your role?
It’s forever advancing – the new AI explosion is particularly exciting (if not a little scary!), but the reach of how it could be used to help people is mind-blowing. Working in IT means no two days are ever the same. I love helping businesses solve real-world problems, whether it’s improving efficiency, enabling remote working, or protecting data. Seeing tangible results from the solutions I help implement is really rewarding.
💡Have you noticed a lack of women in the technology industry throughout your career? If yes, how has this changed as your career has progressed?
Yes, specifically with helpdesk support staff and technical engineers it’s almost all male based. I have noticed a small increase in women in these roles over the last 10 years but there is still a way to go. There is also a distinct lack of women particularly in the higher paid positions like Directorship, but this is similar across most business sectors. That said, I’ve seen more women begin to enter customer-facing roles in tech, such as account management and project coordination, which is a positive shift. However, leadership and technical roles still lack female representation, especially in cybersecurity and cloud architecture.
💡Do you believe your gender has ever impacted the way you have been perceived or treated in your career?
Yes, sometimes in my favour and sometimes not. An example of when not is when a customer specifically asked for a male AM as he just assumed I would not be technical being female. Unfortunately, assumptions like this still exist. However, proving my value through my knowledge, experience and results has helped challenge those perceptions. I’ve also had positive experiences where being a female in tech made me stand out in a positive way, helping build rapport and trust with clients.
💡What do you think businesses should be doing to encourage more girls and young women to consider careers in technology?
I believe this should start in schools, helping youngsters gain insight into real-life careers and jobs. Apprenticeships are also too undervalued in my eyes and often outweighed in preference for a university degree, which is not often needed in many technology careers. Showcasing role models, both male and female, who work in a wide variety of tech jobs, from coding and engineering to project management and cybersecurity, can help break stereotypes and highlight the diversity of career paths available. It’s also important that businesses create inclusive, flexible work environments where women feel supported and encouraged to progress.
💡What is the one piece of advice you would give to a young woman looking to enter the industry or just at the beginning of her career in technology?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; if you don’t understand something, ask a more experienced colleague. Technology is forever changing and evolving, and what may be the right solution today may be the wrong solution tomorrow, so keeping up with technical advancements within your industry will help with career progression. Also, don’t feel like you have to ‘know it all’ to get started.
A willingness to learn and adapt is just as important as technical expertise. Imposter syndrome can creep in, especially in a male-dominated space, but know that your perspective is valuable and your voice matters.
💡Are there additional ideas or thoughts you would like to share?
I’d encourage women in tech to support each other, whether through networking, mentoring or simply sharing experiences. Community makes a big difference in confidence and career growth. Also, for those looking to switch industries, tech welcomes transferable skills, especially in communication, project management, and problem-solving – don’t let a non-technical background hold you back.
We’re spotlighting the incredible women who are part of our team. Keep your eyes peeled for our next Women in Tech installment.
