As we mark International Women's Day in 2024, it's a moment to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and to renew our commitment to empowering women worldwide. This annual celebration serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the remarkable achievements of women in all facets of life. In this Q&A, we talk with Katie Rose Murphy Crowe, a Junior Software Developer at Assured Data Protection. Katie discusses career advice for women in tech, how to grow within the company you work for, supporting other women, and promoting inclusion in your organization.

What is your job title and what are your role responsibilities?

I have been a junior software developer at Assured Data Protection for about 9 months now. As this is my first post-university job, I am glad to say that the team has been very welcoming and encouraging, which has had a positive effect on the development of my practical skills in the field. My responsibilities are implementing and maintaining features in the products we provide. I enjoy this job role particularly due to the major problem-solving aspect, being a software developer allows me to continually engage in solving problems of varying nature and difficulty, which is refreshing as each issue presents an opportunity to exercise critical thinking and creativity in new ways.

What career advice do you have for women in tech/STEM? 

Build a strong professional network within the workplace and the wider tech community, make sure to take the opportunities presented to you both within and outside of work for networking events and further study of the field, and seek out mentors and role models - especially if they're in a position in their career that you hope to be in later. Make sure to make yourself heard, even when it feels difficult to do so, and always advocate for your work.

What advice do you have for women looking to grow within the company they work for?

Set clear and defined goals for yourself and your career, make sure to identify all the specific skills and prerequisites for your desired career path, and take any opportunity given to you to gain them. Don't be afraid to take on a challenging project or two; not only does it increase visibility, but it also provides great opportunities for personal and professional growth. The experience you gain during a tough project can also be a great showcase for your current capabilities and demonstrate your capacity for tackling complex issues.

How can women support other women in their organizations?

To support the women around you - especially newer additions to the team - ensure their voices are heard during meetings, and make sure to create a supportive atmosphere so that they are not discouraged from sharing. If there are any networking events you are aware of - especially for women in tech - make sure they're aware of them and their potential for aiding career growth. Additionally, advocate for the recognition of their work by highlighting their achievements, skills, and potential to SLT.

What strategies can work well to promote inclusion in the workplace?

Encourage discussion of diversity and inclusion by fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable and able to openly share their experiences and perspectives without being concerned about negative consequences. Already, the hybrid workplace models the company uses promote inclusivity and accommodate a diverse set of needs, especially for those who are caregivers.

Katie Rose Murphy Crowe is a Junior Software Developer at Assured Data Protection, a global data backup, disaster recovery, business continuity and extended detection and response managed service provider. Crowe graduated from Durham University in 2023 with a Master’s degree in Computer Science.