In the next Career Breakers interview, meet Abi Davis, an IT Engineer defying gender stereotypes in the tech world. From childhood curiosity to completing a BSc in Computing, Abi reflects on the challenges faced, the rewards earned, and how she navigated misconceptions in a field where gender biases persist.
Name: Abi Davis
Job title: IT Engineer
Whilst choosing a career is never easy and was never straight forward for me, I found that sticking with something I had always naturally been drawn to and excelled in would be worth pursuing. Even when I was little, I found I had been intrigued by technology and was often asked for help with devices such as computers and phones by family and friends.
After finishing school, I started my path in IT by completing a Level 3 in IT at college. From there I decided to continue with my studies with an HND in Computing and topped it off with finishing my degree (BSC) in Computing back in 2021, always striving to push myself just that little bit further.
From there was finding a job, which can be a bit intimidating as a whole, but as with any job sometimes it can be a bit of a waiting game regardless of any stereotypes. Sometimes it is just a case of waiting for the right company, such as where I am now, who will support you from the get go to help you on your career path and make it seem less daunting.
Thankfully in my workplace there is not a divide between the different genders, however this is not to say that it has never been a problem for me.
Previously I have worked in a gaming retail store which again is predominantly male dominated, and found that customers, whether they were aware of it or not, can and have been sexist in one form or another. Whether it be slight comments towards you or having misconceptions about why you work for the company. This unfortunately feels like it will always be a problem.
In education also, I did find that I would typically be the only female or there might potentially be two of us in a class, even when it came to university. I do feel that women as a whole may themselves stay away from subjects such as IT because of the stereotypes that come with it, which is why it is even more important to pursue such a career.
In my opinion, if nothing else, this just spurs me on because I know I am, and I know I can, prove these people wrong.
If it is something you are passionate about or something that excites you, I would urge you to try. Sometimes it is not going to be easy but that’s okay, sometimes there will still be a variety of comments made throughout your journey into a male dominated industry but this unfortunately cannot be helped, and again, if nothing else this should spur you on to prove people wrong and provide a different insight into your chosen industry.
Regardless of boundaries and stereotypes, doing something you enjoy in my opinion should override anyone else’s opinions.
It is hard to pinpoint the reason for the lack of diversity in IT, although it is definitely a lot less of a problem than it used to be. Is it the lack of interest for women in the subject or is it that they don’t feel like they can make a difference?
I do believe that promoting women in IT will always be beneficial, but it is also finding the people that are willing to listen and be the change that is needed.
Follow the Career Breakers series on our website throughout January to stay connected with these empowering stories of individuals who have reshaped their careers and challenged gender stereotypes. For real-time updates, connect with us on social media using the hashtag #CareerBreakers.
The National Careers Service provides free, up to date, impartial information, advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market in England to anyone aged 13 and upwards. To speak to a National Careers Service adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our webchat. Lines are available from: 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday, and 10am – 5pm Saturday
