Women in Technology: Meet Nebret

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

Nebret: Well, the funny thing is that chaos brings beauty. I was working in the education field for eight years but always wanted to get into tech. I could never find the time or overcome my fear of changing careers. Moreover, I wanted to prove to myself and every woman out there that we could break into a male-dominated industry. Also, that you can shift your career at any age, and it’s never too late to start. So, when the pandemic happened, it gave me the gift of time. Schools shut down, and I quickly realized this was the universe giving me the opportunity I always asked for. The pandemic was an eye-opener that life is short and to go for what you want. I used the time to study IT and dedicated 100% to the process, and at the end of the journey, I got my first tech role.

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

Nebret: Growing up as a first-generation American, I was always the problem-solver and communicator for my parents. I’m a late 80s baby, so technology and I grew up together. It’s always been a part of me. I always thought technology was interesting, but to be honest, outside looking in, it seems intimidating. I love to problem-solve and believe that everything could be solved through communication since I love to talk! I didn’t know exactly what I was wanted to do, but I always knew I loved to problem-solve, I loved communicating, and I loved operating in a fast-paced and ever-changing field. That’s when I knew technology was for me.

Marissa: How long have you been with Dataprise? 

Nebret: I’ve been with Dataprise now for three months, but Dataprise feels like a family I was born into. Even though it has been such a short time, they make it feel like you’ve known them for years.

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

Nebret: I’m a Network Associate. Some of my day-to-day duties are supporting my client’s network infrastructure, providing application support, and supporting their ticket queue.

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

Nebret: Don’t let fear hold you back. There’s so much to learn and great opportunities in the technology field. As women, we need more voices and representatives in the field. There’s so much you can contribute with your great perspective to help mold our future. Technology is forever changing, so let’s be a part of the change and shape the future.

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

Nebret: The sky’s the limit when it comes to a career in the tech industry. Technology has so many doors within doors, and the possibilities are endless. I wish I would’ve known sooner that technology is not as intimidating as it seems and not let fear hold me back as long as it did.

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

Nebret: Honestly, the feedback I get when users hear a woman on the phone as their tech. People are so used to speaking with men to troubleshoot their technology needs. They don’t realize that women know, if not the same but more information when it comes to technology.

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

Nebret: The knowledge I gain every day and the support the company gives to each of its employees. Everyone has an open-door policy and is more than willing to help or teach you to become a better tech.

Marissa: Where do you see yourself going from here?

Nebret: My goal and where I see myself going is to be a Network Architect here at Dataprise. I’m fascinated with networking, and I’m working every day to expand my knowledge to reach my goal.