IWD25: Paving the Way and #AcceleratingAction in Salesforce
Despite making strides, women still make up just 24% of the UK’s Core STEM workforce and there’s still work to do. With International Women’s Day just round the corner, and this in mind, we asked some of the brilliant #TeamZiipline about their background, careers, the biggest misconceptions about the Salesforce ecosystem, and the advice they’d give to the next generation of girls looking to break into technology.
Phoebe Gregory, Salesforce Consultant
From Agriculture to Salesforce
My path into the Salesforce ecosystem was a little more unconventional. In fact, I barely knew what Salesforce was until shortly before making the leap. I originally studied agriculture and then moved into recruitment, and it wasn’t until I started hiring Salesforce professionals that I began to get curious. I know my journey is by no means unique, but to me, it reinforces the idea that there’s no single route into tech and that skills gained elsewhere can be incredibly valuable.
Breaking Stereotypes in Tech
There’s a huge push for women in tech, and it’s not just about bringing more women into the ecosystem but also ensuring they have the support to build successful careers. A common misconception is that women in tech are mostly in ‘BA’ or ‘Project Lead’ roles, but that’s changing, and it’s exciting to see!
Selling the Role to Myself
My ‘lightbulb moment’ was a full-circle experience. I placed someone in a role at a Salesforce Partner I was working with, and in classic recruiter fashion, I ended up selling the role to myself! I was so intrigued that I decided to give it a go. Just a month after they started, I messaged them to say I was joining as a Junior, and funnily enough, we still work together now at Ziipline!
Advice for Future Trailblazers
Just go for it! Changing direction will always feel daunting, but you don’t need to tick every box when you’re starting out. What really matters is having a ‘can-do’ attitude and embracing every opportunity that comes your way. You won’t regret it!
Sarah Smith, Senior Salesforce Consultant
A Lifelong Passion for Tech
I’ve always known I wanted to work in tech. From the moment I started taking classes in school, I was hooked. There’s something about the constant evolution of the industry that’s always drawn me in.
Not Just for Coders
One of the biggest misconceptions about technology? That it’s all dark mode and endless lines of code. In reality, this space is filled with passionate, enthusiastic people from all sorts of backgrounds. Whether it’s UX, risk management, or strategy, there’s a huge mix of skill sets needed to deliver great solutions.
No Straight Lines
A real turning point in my career was when someone told me that your path doesn’t have to be linear. That completely changed how I view opportunities, especially in an industry that never stands still.
Owning Your Space in Tech
Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible women who have influenced and inspired me. The biggest lesson I’ve taken from them is to stay true to who you are and embrace your femininity. Tech can sometimes feel male-dominated, and the lack of female role models might make it seem like an intimidating space. But the women I’ve worked with have shown me firsthand the value of diverse perspectives, and that confidence in your own voice is what truly makes a difference in a team.
Laura Konciute, Salesforce Consultant
When it Clicked
My first ‘this is cool’ moment with tech was when I turned my laptop into a hotspot using a Windows Terminal in my early teens. That small experiment sparked my love for problem-solving, though I didn’t immediately consider tech as a career. I pursued a degree in economics, but after graduation, I felt lost and unsure of my next steps until a friend working in tech opened my eyes to its creativity and endless learning opportunities. From that moment, I was determined to break into this competitive world. Despite having no experience or deep technical knowledge, I landed my first job purely through my positive attitude and passion towards it, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.
Breaking the Mould
Tech offers many different paths; women shouldn’t feel pressured to fit into a specific mould. We bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and valuable skills that deserve recognition. Through my ups and downs, I’ve realised that women in tech should be unapologetic about their ideas and contributions that came as a result of their hard work. If a workplace doesn’t support or value that, there are countless other opportunities where you will be appreciated for exactly who you are.
Own Your Path
Believing in your potential and passion is the first step toward success in the tech industry. Set clear goals for yourself and celebrate each milestone along the way. Every achievement, big or small, is progress and should fuel your motivation to keep moving forward. Remember, no matter how experienced, every tech professional starts from zero. You have everything it takes to thrive in this industry.
Jaina A., Technical Consultant
Changing Course
Tech wasn’t always on my radar. My original plan was a career in the military. I studied international business during my undergrad, but in my final year, I landed an internship at a data software and analytics company in sales operations. That unexpected detour made me pause and rethink my path, so I decided to give the tech industry a shot.
Finding My Route into Tech
My journey wasn’t exactly a straight line. Moving from the US to the UK for my master’s in systems design and integration, I worked for a wholesaler before finally stepping into the tech world. My first role at a hospitality tech company was short-lived. I was laid off less than a year in due to the pandemic. But that setback became a turning point. I knew I wanted to stay in tech, so I threw myself into earning my Salesforce Admin and PD1 certifications. Looking back, it was a defining moment that reshaped my career.
The Creative Side of Coding
One of the biggest myths about women in tech is that we don’t like coding, or that coding isn’t creative. The reality is, coding is as much about problem-solving and design as it is about logic. Web design, UX, and systems architecture require an incredible mix of analytical thinking and creativity. Understanding how a user experiences a product is just as important as the lines of code behind it.
Say What You Mean
For women breaking into tech, my advice is simple: say what you mean and mean what you say. If someone tries to interrupt you, keep talking. Confidence in your voice and ideas is key. Tech needs diverse perspectives, and the best way to make an impact is to own your space.
Conclusion
The industry needs fresh perspectives. When people come from different backgrounds and experiences come together, they push boundaries, rethink old ways of working, and drive innovation. Whether you can code or not, there’s a place for you in a tech career! Be the first to hear about tech career opportunities at Ziipline by following us on LinkedIn.