This article, first published on the Hamilton Barnes website, explores why Zareena was drawn to study networking at Birmingham City University.
How did you first get interested in a career in technology?
The first time I got to know about networking was during my GCSEs. I didn’t know anything about IT at the time but I thought it was interesting. In sixth form I chose IT and Business and got to know the basics of IT and got more familiar with it and developed my interest. My teacher at that time was a network engineer and she helped me understand the basics of networking and to study for the exams.
How did you end up getting into networking?
When I was in year 10 I start studying for my CCNA. Because I learned the basics of networking in school and was really enjoying it I decided to study a degree in networking at Birmingham City University. I did a work placement at Exponential-e where I worked as a pre-sales consultant and also got the opportunity to work in service delivery. I’m now a final year student where I’m on track to obtain a first in my computer networking and security degree.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
During my internship at Exponential-e I worked as a pre-sales consultant for 11 months. During these 11 months I really enjoyed trouble-shooting. I think it is interesting to find a way to solve issues. After finishing working as a pre-sales consultant I also got the opportunity to work in service delivery, where I configured lots of Juniper routers.
What is your role and what are your main daily activities?
My role was to make documentations. Customers would ask for specific services and I had to verify that all the relevant documents were there and ready.
What accomplishments are you most proud of and why?
I’m the most proud of the fact that I am the first person and first girl in my family to go to university. Next to that I’m on track to obtain a first in my degree.
Based on your personal experience and in your opinion, what are 3 characteristics that will make you successful in the networking industry?
- Organisation. You need to be very organised
- Study hard and don’t leave things to the last minute
- Be punctual
Technology is a field mainly dominated by men, what steps should be taken to attract more women to tech?
I think that IT and technology should be introduced to children from a young age. They will be adopt it, get used to it and can develop an interest for it. I got to know about it in school and I also have a friend who is a network engineer and he introduced me to this industry.
What do you perceive as being the biggest barrier for women entering the tech industry and what would be your message/advice to women trying to get into the field of networking?
The biggest barrier is that it is a very male dominated field. I think this holds girls back from entering the IT world. My advice would be, go for it! If I can do it, you can do it too. I came to the UK with bad English and didn’t even know how to use a keyboard and look at me now. Work hard, be punctual and be truthful. Don’t tell yourself you can’t do it, because you can do everything.
Inspired by Zareena’s story?
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We are grateful to Hamilton Barnes for allowing us to republish this article. Hamilton Barnes specialises in placing networking graduates at pioneering technology companies throughout the UK. www.hamilton-barnes.co.uk
