??Interview with Priscilla White from Hatch Digital

We are dedicated to creating pathways for diverse talent to thrive, fostering innovation and inclusivity in the tech sector. We believe supporting individuals from all backgrounds is a collective responsibility, essential for a more equitable future. Tech companies have the power to drive positive change, and our goal throughout the month of March is to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion while recognising the ongoing work ahead.?

This article is part of a series of interviews where techUK members and stakeholders share their experiences, shedding light on the diverse realities of working in the industry. By exposing the good, bad, and ugly aspects, we aim to underscore the significance of cultivating a diverse tech future through their stories. ?

Meet Priscilla White , Business Development Executive at Hatch Digital .

??How did you get into tech??

I don’t hold a tech role, per se, but I do work for a tech company whose sole purpose is to diversify the tech industry by helping people from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds – aka no previous STEM experience or education – build meaningful careers in tech. So I’m hoping I can provide some useful insights. ?

When I found Hatch, I was working as a hair colour technician in London. I used to commute 4 hours a day, and one of those days I saw an ad for an Assistant Manager role on Hatch’s Academies. I’d previously worked on my salon’s Academy, so I figured I had some transferable skills and I thought I’d apply for something out of my comfort zone…the tech industry! To be fair, I’ve been an avid gamer since I can remember, so there was some cross-over there, too.?

To my shock, I interviewed and got the role, purely based on who I was, how I’d fit with the business, and the transferable skills I brought to the table. They didn’t care that I didn’t have the right relevant experience, it was so refreshing.?

??Can you share your personal experiences navigating the digital career landscape? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Because I’m not in a technical role myself, I’m going to borrow some of the experiences our candidates have shared with me about their journey breaking into the industry.?

Hundreds of applications with very few responses, all of which were rejections. Then self-confidence becomes an issue.

The ‘wrong’ experience or educational background for the role, despite having evidence of all the right skills.?

For women, landing in teams made up entirely of men and organisations with very few female senior leaders and role models in tech can lead to negative experiences that outweigh or cloud the fulfilment they’re getting from the work itself.?

The financial onus of retraining always being on the applicant, and oftentimes time off payroll or away from earning makes the whole thing impossible. That’s before you add in expensive certifications that would qualify that training to an employer via a CV.?

My advice is to not give up. If you’re passionate about working in tech, companies like Hatch are here to offer you a route in – and they won’t even look at your CV whilst they’re doing it. ?

??How much do you think the industry has changed since you joined??

We are seeing steps across the industry to make it more accessible, mostly in light of such major demand for tech talent. People are having to think differently to out-hire the skills gap. ?

There’s plenty more to be done, but I think we’ve seen a noticeable shift in employer mindset, and an understanding that inclusive hiring and diverse workforces aren’t just our collective social responsibility, they’re commercial necessities for businesses to continue to grow, innovate and remain competitive.?

??Have you encountered any unconscious biases or stereotypes in your digital career journey, and how did you address or challenge them??

This?is easier for me to answer than I’d like to admit. Unconscious bias and being stereotyped was?second nature?to me for a long period of time. I’m covered in tattoos, I have ADHD… what a combo, right??

I remember years ago?not even being able to get a job in a local 星巴克 ,?just because of my visible tattoos. It?caused?me?an emotional?landslide;?I was convinced I’d never have a “professional career”… and then I met Hatch.?

I took?the?plunge and went for something new,?and here we are today!?I started out as an?Assistant Manager?and now 2 years later, I’m in the?Business?Development team?where I am constantly encouraged to?learn,?grow?and develop my skills for the future.?

I’ve never been one to get knocked back by a challenge.?If someone thinks I’m incapable?of something?because of my appearance,?then?it’s more of a reason for me to show them?what I’m made of.?

??What initiative or programme from your organisation on diversity & inclusion would you like to spotlight??

The one that springs to mind is?Hatch’s?#2024in2024 Women-in-Tech initiative.

It’s a mission-driven challenge to train & place 2,024 women into tech careers through our model in 2024.?If the market’s ready for us, we’re up for making this the year that the dial really shifted for female representation in tech roles.?

??What advice would you give to aspiring professionals who are looking to work in the tech sector??

I’ve always said it’s 99% grit and determination?and 1% luck.?

And Hatch is there to make sure you don’t have to rely on luck at all to build a career in tech.