I never thought I'd make such a difference just being me

Rosie Houston, Product Owner in Technology, tells us how she discovered her hidden talents that have led her into a career in Technology, and there’s no signs of it slowing down.

Me? In Technology? Surely not… 

“I studied Business Management at University and always thought I’d land a role in something that I thought of as “cool”, like Marketing for example, once I’d graduated. I really didn’t ever picture myself getting into anything ‘techy’ – my perception of it was all wrong, as I’ve now learned in my 5 years with Specsavers. I was working in data elsewhere since graduating and I was ready for a change. So, when I saw a role at Specsavers in the Product Data team, I thought I’d go for it – and I’m glad I did. I was in the role for a little while when I started itching to try something new. I was grateful to have been mentored by a senior female colleague who worked in the Tech team – she told me all about her journey and the steps she took to get to where she was. She introduced me to key stakeholders so I built a good internal network and could start building relationships with people to help when it came to my next career move. 

I was successful in becoming an Associate Product Owner, and then progressed to Product Owner which is the role I’m in today (for now). I have been fortunate enough to have a baby during my time in this team, and since returning, my manager been really flexible and accommodating to my needs, now that I have a family to prioritise.  

Taking a risk 

Some people seem to think that you either choose to have a career or to raise a family. Well, I do both. I was given a stretch assignment alongside my role where I was taking on some tasks relating to risk analysis, and I found it really enjoyable - I love learning and pushing myself to do better. I’ve now been successful in securing the role of Senior Risk Analyst and am so excited to start this new career path soon.  

I really didn’t foresee my career in data and IT, but it’s actually really fun. You don’t have to be ‘techy’ - you just need business sense and be able to talk to people! Transferable skills are what matter the most - stakeholder communication, managing expectations, and emotional intelligence to be able to read the room of people who are requesting help. A big part of working in tech is all about team working and pulling on others for their expertise, as you can’t be an expert in everything. The best work is achieved when you work together. 

There’s always a lot of pressure on tech as new technology evolves all the time and you have to be one step ahead. It creates a good buzz though, and as a team we always have a good laugh and keep morale high. Senior management within the tech space are always really visible too and get stuck in with the rest of us – there’s no egos and hierarchical politics.  

I’m a woman in tech  

I don’t see myself as a woman in tech, I am a person in tech. Even though it’s quite a male-dominated team, I don’t notice it as I don’t get treated differently. Everyone has time for me, we are treated as individuals, and there’s no intimidation from anyone across the business. I’ve never had any incidents where someone has assumed I won’t know something because of my gender.

I love what I do – I’m given the autonomy to make decisions, independence to get on with things, and there’s a lot of trust. It’s surprising how far you can go in a short space of time; you can move around to get varied experience and gain more knowledge to be able to make a difference in tech – I never thought I’d make such a difference just being me. Just because it’s tech and might look difficult, chances are it’s not the case. My advice is to go after something you enjoy and don’t be put off by it if it sounds difficult. Get involved and make up your own mind once you’ve given it a go – you should only regret the opportunities you don’t take.