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Renee Hawkins: “Many businesses focusing on diversity, women are in a strong position of employability.”

Renee Hawkins
The winner of Woman of the Year 2021 in Women in Tech Excellence awards, Renee Hawkins brings the most inspiring and powerful insights about the women in the UK tech scene to the table.

The UK technology industry may not be a hundred per cent fair in terms of gender parity; it strives to be open and inclusive. Many diverse communities in and around technology now more than ever push for diversity; this will help establish a stronger, more equitable tech community. The path into technical occupations is not always straightforward for women and other underrepresented groups. But it's well worth it!

With this thought in mind, TC approached Chief Operating Officer at ThoughtWorks UK, Renee Hawkins, to inspire our audience to enter the technology world without any fear.

A leader with strong commercial and business expertise, Renee has a passion for creating, influencing and driving strategies around talent management and business operations in an ever-changing marketplace where talent is a crucial differentiator. She won Woman of the Year at the 2021 Women in Tech Excellence awards. She has been a finalist for the Women in the City Future Leaders Award and has worked in North America, Europe, India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. Renee’s a mother of two young children and a passionate advocate for inclusivity.

In an exclusive interview with Technologist Confidant, Renee Hawkins talks about the UK’s tech scene; being a woman in tech herself, she guides women on how they can benefit from the available community support.

TC: Why do you think there are still so few females in the technology sector?

Renee Hawkins: It starts with the talent pool and is exacerbated by the lack of role models and sponsorship. According to WISE, an organisation dedicated to total equity and an inclusive workplace for women working in STEM roles, only 8% of women progress to a level 4+ STEM qualification. Role models are critical to fostering interest in tech for young girls and women at any level of their careers. Unconscious bias and lack of inclusivity lead to fewer women moving up the career ladder.

TC: According to you, how has the UK tech landscape changed and adapted for women in the wake of the COVID outbreak and Brexit?

Renee Hawkins: Flexible and hybrid working has become the norm off the back of Covid lockdowns.  This is a welcome change for women who struggle to balance their family responsibilities alongside their work. Brexit and the increase in digitalisation for business due to Covid have resulted in a UK tech talent shortage.  Job seekers are in a place of strength with numerous opportunities available at the moment. 

TC: Do you think there is an advantage to joining the UK's tech sector as a woman? If so, how?

Renee Hawkins: Given the hot talent market alongside many businesses focusing on diversity, women are in a strong position of employability. In addition, once employed, many companies are investing in capability and leadership development programmes targeted for WUGM. 

TC: What advice would you give to young women entering the tech field in the UK? Anything you wish you had known?

Renee Hawkins: My top tip for women is to recognise they have exceptional talent and skills needed in the marketplace.  An interview is equally the company interviewing you, as you are interviewing them.  Find a company that does not just talk the talk but also walks the walk.  Ensure they support junior women and have support available throughout women’s careers.  Ask what programmes they have to support capacity building and leadership development?  Ask about their percentage of senior women in the business?  Do they allow flexibility?  What is their maternity policy?  What are their values?  Do they align with yours?  Do they have a code of conduct?  How is that enforced?  Are there women and men leaders who showcase work and life balance?

TC: What's your suggestion for technologists in a career break or struggling to reenter /grow in the UK sector?

Renee Hawkins: Numerous organisations have ‘returners’ programmes aimed at helping rebuild capability and confidence in women returning to the workforce.  Look out for these companies as they will often advertise these opportunities.  Another avenue is to take a coding Bootcamp which usually opens doors to interviews with various tech companies.  All mid-sized businesses in the UK have a levy for apprenticeships.  Look into companies that provide apprenticeships and ensure they have good partnerships with crucial tech organisations.  Apprenticeships are not just for career starters, and they can be used for returners or individuals looking to advance in a specific capability. There are numerous opportunities to continue developing your skillset with online learning concerning growth.  If your current organisation does not support your development, look to organisations with personalised learning budgets, specialised leadership and other focus capability development.

More about Renee Hawkins:

Renee plays a crucial role in enabling diverse and passionate ThoughtWorkers to master new capabilities and emerging technologies to have a transformative and lasting impact on their client’s businesses. ThoughtWorks is a 27 years old software company with more than 10,000 employees and a global presence.

Connect with Renee: LinkedIn | Twitter

 

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