Women in Technology: Meet Annie

Marissa: Tell us your story on how you got into technology?

Annie: After a couple years working in public accounting as an auditor, I wanted to narrow the scope of my knowledge into one business where I would be excited about the work product! I wanted to focus this leg of my career on depth, not breadth. The amazing opportunity to pivot out of auditing and into FP&A at a tech company showed up, and I only became more excited after all my research and interviews with Dataprise.

Marissa: Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do?

Annie: It was definitely a field that I always wanted to work in, but I had no idea how to get my foot in the door. The tech industry is steady in its opportunities but rapidly growing out of demand and necessity – I am so glad that I landed here.

Marissa: How long have you been with Dataprise? 

Annie: Just a little over three months.

Marissa: Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

Annie: I work in Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)– No two days look alike! I would say I have a monthly commitment to the company’s budget cycle, and I have a rotating list of ad hoc projects that I complete. All of this allows me to gain insight into the company’s general business functions and meet people from every department, and dive into more granular details regarding our services and customers.

Marissa: What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking to get into the technology field?

Annie: I will say this – I had no IT background and no formal FP&A specific training before starting this job. I let it scare me for about 4 minutes and then I applied! Take the skills you have, combine them with a general direction of where you want to go, and get moving. There are open doors everywhere if you don’t close yourself in.

Marissa: What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

Annie: There are still many rooms in this industry where you will be the only woman. Raise your hand, voice your thoughts. Your insight is valuable! The right organization will recognize that you belong.

Marissa: What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

Annie: This isn’t tech specific, but throughout my career I’ve always been able to identify women to look up to. It’s wonderful to see women who are experts and confident professionals, it really gives me something to aspire to.

Marissa: What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?

Annie: The people have been great! I feel a real sense of teamwork here, and that has helped a ton with getting up to speed with the job and getting to know the company.

Marissa: Where do you see yourself going from here?

Annie: At three months in, I’ve already seen so much personal growth in this job. I hope to learn more from my teachers/team here and continue to contribute from my corner as an analyst.