I’ve been a freelance software/web developer for over 20 years. Software engineering felt like the perfect fit for me. I love to tackle complex problems and watch websites and applications come to life through code, it still feels like magic to me. I was fascinated with computers and coding growing up and never imagined that I would get to make a career out of something I love so much.
Software development remains a very male-dominated profession – how have you managed to succeed?
Having been in the industry for over 20 years the landscape has changed for women in tech quite considerably. I have worked incredibly hard to build a reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable developer and strived to be at least on a par with my male counterparts. Throughout my career so far, I’ve generally been fortunate to work with agencies and clients who appreciate my skill over my gender.
However, I’ve had to learn to have ‘a voice’ and still suffer imposter syndrome from time to time. It surprises me constantly that this is still such a male-dominated industry. We have a long way to go to encourage young women into tech positions.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
I have been fortunate to work on such a diverse range of projects, from working with startups to large global companies.
My work with ZOE, both on the ZOE COVID study, the largest Covid-19 research project in the world, and on their nutrition projects. Being able to be a part of something that makes such a big difference to people’s health really opened my eyes to what is possible.
Another career highlight was winning YunoJuno’s Freelance Developer of the Year in 2019 and being shortlisted for the award again in 2021. Gaining that recognition really motivated me to keep striving to do great work.
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How did your business, and the way you work, change during the pandemic?
I feel I was better prepared than most, having been predominantly remote for most of the last 10 years due to working with a lot of US based clients.
I was involved in the ZOE COVID study from the start of the pandemic, so I was fortunate to be able to continue working. The pandemic brought about a shift in working patterns, both good and bad. More remote positions are becoming available and allowing people to live and work outside of the cities. Working hours though have become longer as the lines get blurred between home life and work life.
How do you expect your business to evolve over the next few years?
I am genuinely excited about what is to come in the next few years. I have loved working in health tech, so I see myself focussing more in this area.
I’d like to focus my attention on projects with a positive impact in terms of improving the world that we live in and the lives of those around us. I’d also like to get involved with initiatives to get new female talent into the industry, not just at school age but also encouraging people to re-skill later in their careers or after having a family.
