By Claire Lynch
When I joined Envitia, even before my first day, I felt genuinely welcomed. There were regular check-ins and conversations about where I could add value and discussions about how my expertise could support the company as it grows. As a woman in tech, this really mattered. I didn’t feel as though I was just filling a vacancy, my role as a Data Architect is being trusted to strengthen governance, data quality and architectural thinking during a period of growth. That trust means I can focus on building upon and applying my skills.
Finding confidence through trust
Starting out in consultancy, a little over 3 years ago – this was about stretching myself and building confidence, especially as a woman in technology. I have been lucky enough to have been influenced by some strong mentors who have challenged my thinking. Over time, I realised I was starting to trust my skills and that my expertise is assumed rather than having to prove myself and this was when I started to notice real progress being made as a woman in tech.
Myth 1: Confidence is a barrier
The truth is, confidence grows when expertise is respected! When you are taken seriously, this truly unblocks any barriers.
My path into tech wasn’t accidental
Looking back, my path into tech wasn’t as accidental as it seemed. I started in accounting but even then, I found myself thinking beyond the numbers. I wasn’t just interested in the final reports, I was curious about how it was built. Where was the data coming from? How was it structured? Why did certain reconciliations take so long!
I began looking at the back-end processes behind reporting, questioning workflows and spotting inefficiencies. I enjoyed understanding the logic underneath the spreadsheets more than the spreadsheets themselves. That’s when I realised, I wasn’t just drawn to finance, I was drawn to the system.
Non-linear careers are not a disadvantage
Myth 2: You need a long technical background to succeed in tech.
The truth is that sometimes, what looks like a detour is preparation. In accountancy, I was already thinking about systems, how reports were being built and how processes could be improved. That curiosity was not outside tech…it was the beginning of my journey.
A message to my 18-year-old self..
You started your career in accounting and that’s okay. It gave you valuable skills, though your curiosity and love of systems were always pointing towards technology. Don’t wait for the right path to appear. Your skills, perspective and voice belong in tech from day one. Follow the work that excites you, even if it feels less conventional, as that’s where you will make the biggest impact. Why this matters on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress in tech doesn’t only come from big gestures or bold statements. It comes from trust, inclusion and recognising expertise early.
When people are trusted to do the work they’re capable of, confidence follows – not the other way around.
