IWD2025: Breaking Stereotypes

When people think of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), they often picture software developers writing code or network engineers managing systems. While these roles are essential, ICT is far more diverse than most realise. The rapid evolution of technology has expanded career opportunities into more obvious field like cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) other less obvious opportunities exist with data analytics, digital marketing, user experience (UX) design, and IT project management.

I personally never set out to work in ICT, but my journey in the industry began over two decades ago with a telecommunications provider. My first role was in Sales Support, assisting the Queensland Business and Enterprise teams. This role provided valuable experience in ordering and delivering customer services, primarily in telecommunications, back when analogue PSTNs were still widely used. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to working in a order management type role coordinating the delivery of customer services, initially with ISDN and number porting before focusing on private MPLS and IP-VPN network designs. 

As my career progressed, I transitioned into IT project management, overseeing customer technology transformations. These projects ranged from carrier transitions and network upgrades to equipment refreshes and the implementation of emerging technologies with SD-WAN networks quickly replacing IP-VPN networks along with the introduction of IoT solutions. As a Project Manager, I was responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders were aligned, all aspects of the project were properly reviewed, and every detail was accounted for before execution.

During my early years in IT project management, female representation in the industry was minimal. In many projects, I was the only woman in the room—both within my internal team and when working with customer project teams. At times, I could sense some scepticism from male colleagues regarding my technical expertise, particularly since I did not have a formal Computer Science or IT degree. However, my role wasn't about designing solutions or configuring networks—it was about ensuring projects were executed successfully. My job was to coordinate experts, facilitate decision-making, and manage project risks. I built credibility and respect within my teams by demonstrating strong leadership, organisational skills, and a commitment to delivering results.

While there was always equal representation of women in the back of house roles, with positions in provisioning teams, there was limited women in the customer facing IT project roles, so I was encouraged to see more women taking up these project roles as my career progressed. It made sense—women are often recognised for their attention to detail and multitasking abilities, both of which are essential in project management.
After 17 years with the telecommunications provider, I was ready for a change. At first, I thought I might leave ICT altogether. However, an opportunity arose with AltTab, a smaller Managed Service Provider (MSP) and Systems Integrator based in Brisbane, which had a strong commitment to gender diversity—with 40% of the team being female. One of the greatest advantages of staying in ICT was that as an industry there is still strong support for flexible work arrangements. Working for a digital-first company, who supports remote ways of working, prioritises people and culture has reinforced my belief that ICT can offer rewarding career paths for women—particularly in companies like AltTab that foster inclusive and supportive work environments.

For women considering a career in ICT, my advice is simple: don't be discouraged if coding and networking don't interest you. There are many other exciting roles available in the ICT industry.