Women in Tech??Interview with Andrea Ortiz from Made Tech

Striving for equality in the tech sector is central to #techUK’s mission. Throughout March, coinciding with International Women’s Day (#IWD2023 ) on 8 March, we are exploring how we embrace equitable workplaces that support #WomenInTech .??Although our campaign spotlights women in tech, we want to ensure that we are supporting allies in all shapes and forms, wherever they come from.

This article is part of a series of interviews where we give voice to these gender diversity allies to call out the bias, expose the barriers for women in tech and spotlight the importance of a diverse tech future through their own experience.

Meet our 8th interviewee of the month: Andrea S. Ortiz , UX Designer at Made Tech .

??How did you get into tech??

This question has been on my mind lately because at first glance, my job choices since leaving university look random. When I sit down and map it out though, I had been circling content design during my time freelancing in digital marketing and copywriting. Even going back to summarising case law at university there were principles of content design in my day to day. My official entry to tech though was through the 谷歌 UX Design course which I completed after work. I have been working as an interaction and content designer in the public sector ever since.??

??What opportunities did this industry open for you? And what challenges did you face??

The best things for me have been the flexibility and the support of the design community. I am able to have a proper work/life balance with time to have actual hobbies. The people I have met on this journey are amazing and so open about sharing their knowledge - I’m constantly learning.

Challenges have mainly come from the ‘corporate’ side of tech. Early on there was an issue with contract negotiation and salary - some colleagues and I were able to fight it together and I am proud of the new confidence I have in speaking up and questioning everything but it was still draining.

??How do you currently see equality in the tech industry? What needs to improve? And how do you think we can achieve a more diverse future in tech???

There are many wonderful people who have got us to a good place but it still feels like many companies and execs have a cap at how far they are willing to go for equality or how radical they allow their policy to be. This means that the communication with employees is not open or honest and company execs lose the trust of their employees.

For me, joining a union is one of our best chances at achieving a more diverse future in tech.?????

??Why do you think it's important for more women to join the tech industry?

It is important for the workforce to reflect society and so, when teams are diverse, better products, services and outcomes happen. ???

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

I think a career in tech now feels more attainable, there are courses you can do in your own time, there are apprenticeships and schemes to encourage a more diverse workforce and of course there are the Tech Babes doing good PR on social media.

However, it does still feel like alot of these things are aimed at younger people. Companies should think about how to make tech attractive to older career-switchers who bring transferrable skills and a new perspective.

??Do you think enough is done to help women get into the tech industry? How are you and your team being an ally?

There is always more to be done but the communities of women in tech (both in the company I’m at and on social platforms) are key to supporting women who get into tech. We have a WOC in tech group at my job and I love that we are all at different stages of our careers. I have been planning events for our group to get together socially and build relationships. We did a sip and paint event before Christmas - it was cute.

In an ideal world though, community support would be complemented by corporate policy such as truly flexible working, higher pay and opportunities for women to be promoted to decision making roles in the companies.

??What’s your no 1 piece of advice for the future generations entering tech?

Don’t be swayed by a friendly and informal company voice.