Areti
Iles
Head of Professional Services at Telefonica Tech
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
25 - 4:10 AM EDT/New York (See in local time)
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05/25/2025 4:10 AM
05/25/2025 04:30 AM
America/New_York
#WTGC2025
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
#WTGC2025
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
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https://www.womentech.net/ringcentral
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
"Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women"
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Session: Joining (and Staying in) the IT Industry: 9 Myths Deterring Women
How diverse is your IT team? The Tech Industry often carries misconceptions as to who it consists of with the stereotype being geeky introverts and mainly male. But the reality really is quite different - the IT industry is diverse, global and full of individuals from different backgrounds and age groups.And yet there are myths that deter women from joining (and staying) within the IT Industry when they really are not true at all. Join me as I share my own experiences and go through the 9 myths I've seen hold us back, why they shouldn't and what we can all do to dispel them.
Key Takeaways
- Women stay away from the IT industry due to false assumptions and lack of clarity on the reality of what working in the IT Industry is like
- Women will often leave the IT industry due to reasons that are within our powers to resolve
- Within the IT industry soft skills matter as much if not more than technical skills and a variety of roles are available
Bio
With over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, I am the Head of Professional Services within the Microsoft Business Applications division of Telefonica Tech. In this role, I oversee the operational, financial, people, delivery, and governance aspects of the Professional Services team, working closely with the Professional Services Director to shape and define the customer strategy for our clients. Prior to my current role I was a Dynamics 365 & Power Platform solution architect and consultant, having successfully delivered complex and large-scale projects for FTSE 250/500 companies across multiple sectors, such as non-profit, facilities management, and wholesale distribution. I use my technical knowledge and project management skills to support customers in achieving their goals and making a positive impact. I am also passionate about the Dynamics 365 & Power Platform community and lead the Reading User Group, where I help users share their knowledge and network with each other. I am also committed to helping people join and advance their career in the technology sector, especially women and underrepresented groups.