(Please note that only they/them pronouns should be used for Maddy)
Social media handle(s): LinkedIn
A few words about me:
I'm a neurodiversity advocate, QA Non Functional Test Analyst and a computer science student.
Before this, I've been a pizza delivery driver, an au pair, a cleaner, a customer service representative, a business founder, a tech lead of a rocket launch team and, when the mood strikes, a poet.
When I'm not working or studying, you can find me lost in a fantasy novel or elbows deep in my lego kits.
Are there any professional experiences you've had that are quite unexpected compared to what you do nowadays?
Whilst on a career break due to illness, I worked as a Site Clark for an American construction company that built the robot fences in the AWS warehouse in Tilbury. I got to see the warehouse go from an empty shell to the powerhouse that is an AWS depot. During my time there, I was a contractor-wrangler, a forklift finder, and I learnt to navigate the labyrinth that is health and safety on a risky worksite.
Is your background more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM related?
Before I began retraining in 2019, my background was non-STEM related. Whilst I worked in finance and operations, I would not have considered those STEM based roles!
Where did your professional journey start?
I like to say that I have had two professional journeys. My first started when I came to the UK. I hadn't gone to university, and had no qualifications beyond my Australian high school diploma. I was determined to settle in the UK, so I fell into a cleaner role with a company called Regus UK. Within the first 2 months, a Customer Service Representative role became available, and I began to make strides towards where I wanted to be. However, I often felt like I was stumbling into my next roles, without much direction.
In 2016, I became ill and had to stop working for a period of time. I decided then that when I went back to work, I would go back into something I enjoy. And so started the next professional journey. I began a Computer Science degree with the Open University and built myself up from there.
How did you get into tech and what motivated you?
When I was deciding to return to work, I wanted to go into an industry that would keep me interested and on my toes. I chose tech as I started to think back on what I enjoyed and what I would want to do with the rest of my working life. It reminded me that when I was 14, I loved all things computing. I actually taught myself how to code basic HTML pages for Neopets and MySpace, and the thrill of building something yourself was something I wanted to bring into my work.
I was unsure of exactly where I wanted to go in tech, so I began a BSc in Computing and IT, specialising in Software Engineering. Whilst studying part-time, I decided to take on other challenges, such as an Ironhack Web Bootcamp and participating in the Mach 22 Rocket launch competition, building the on-board computer. I didn't want to wait until I graduated to find a role in tech, so after trying to get my foot in the door myself, I took a role with Sparta Global to train as a Java Developer.
Adjacent to this, I also wanted to advocate for tech accessibility, as tech, as an industry, is more accessible and flexible for those with additional support needs. To achieve this, I started hosting talks as a Neurodiversity Advocate, talking about my experience as a late-diagnosed ADHD-er and about returning to work after illness.
Have you experienced any 'career in tech' challenges / stereotypes?
When I was first applying, it was a struggle to find an employer that would recognise the skills that I had built outside of a university degree. The majority of employers that I was applying to still had the requirement of graduating from university before they would even consider your application. As I have not yet graduated, I was passed over for multiple opportunities because my skills were not taken into consideration.
"If there is an opportunity that you're interested in, apply for it. Volunteer for things, talk to people, ask questions. You'll be surprised to find out just how helpful everyone is, and sometimes, that opportunity that you thought was out of reach ends up being the perfect fit for you."
What you wish you knew before getting started in tech...
I wish I knew that I should put myself forward for any opportunity that interests me, even if my skill set isn't a perfect match. Due to the width and breath of the tech industry, tools and skills are constantly changing, meaning it is next to impossible to know everything. Attitude and willingness to learn can make all the difference.
What has been your biggest 'wow!' moment related to working in tech so far?
My biggest wow moment was the first time I ran a test on a service that I recognise in the real world. To be able to say "I worked on that", even if people don't quite understand what that means, it blew me away. To be honest, it still does!
What do you like / not like about working in tech?
What I love about working in tech is that learning and growth is encouraged and that curiosity is constantly rewarded. Not only that, but the majority of people that work in tech want to help others and share their knowledge.
The community is constantly growing because of this, which is very exciting! On the flipside though, it is very easy to never switch off, due to being passionate and curious about your work. It takes a lot of discipline to take time off and allow yourself to rest.
"Due to the width and breath of the tech industry, tools and skills are constantly changing, meaning it is next to impossible to know everything. Attitude and willingness to learn can make all the difference."
What's been your favourite / most memorable / funniest 'career in tech' moment so far?
My most memorable career in tech was the first time I ran a large performance test and forgot to turn the logging off. You'd think it would be a negative memory, right? I was terrified to let my team lead know, I had no idea how they were going to react. As soon as I told her, she laughed and said "Well, you're a proper tester now". I then heard multiple stories from the rest of the team about their early blunders and how everyone does something like that at some point. It was such a relief, and it's safe to say I didn't make that mistake again!
And to wrap up, is there any advice you'd like to give to others interested in a career in tech?
The best piece of advice that I would give is to do it anyway. If there is an opportunity that you're interested in, apply for it. Volunteer for things, talk to people, ask questions. You'll be surprised to find out just how helpful everyone is, and sometimes, that opportunity that you thought was out of reach ends up being the perfect fit for you.
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