Annjana Ramesh @ Twitter

How can we proactively make a change to achieve equality and inclusion in tech? It was International Women's Day in March and Orbis dedicated the entire month to celebrating the womxn of Tech and Design. Now, we’re continuing this series. If we want more women in tech, we have to do more than want. Our team felt we needed to share stories from the industry, told by voices with first-hand experience. All of the exposure International Women's Day kicks up is critical, not just for our own education as a business, but also to support the exposure of gender equality and inclusion in tech. These stories are not told by a company or PR, or any other bias perspective. These are the real women of tech shaking up the industry. 

Annjana Ramesh
Engineering Manager
Twitter

What has your career journey in tech been like?

I graduated with a degree in electrical engineering and interned at an investment bank as a software engineer. I fell in love with the problem solving and the constant learning aspects of it and being able to impact the business using technology. I had plenty of opportunities early on in my career to help start a team for Business intelligence and then launching a consumer retail banking product in the US. Within 3 years, I found myself leading a team of 6 engineers working on corporate retail banking products and moved to London to help build out the team in the UK. I’d say my career so far has been a set of happenstances, and the right opportunities at the right time, provided to me by leaders I look up to. 8 months ago, I made a switch to a social media company to manage a team of 8 engineers and loving the journey so far. I have so much to learn, and excited for what the future holds.
 

What’s next for you, have you got any career goals you’d like to achieve?

I stumbled into engineering leadership 3 years ago, and I’ve enjoyed the journey so far. I’d like to continue having an impact on the company, my team, creating a safe space for them to learn, grow and stay motivated. As for goals, my team’s health and impact is most important to me, so I’m here to focus on my team and the work we do and see where that takes me.

What does a typical day in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Lots and lots of meetings, and all productive ones. I enjoy the different and diverse set of challenges I face in a day as a leader. In one meeting, I might be hearing out a teammate and actively listening to their concerns, without problem-solving. In another, I might be drafting a proposal to solve a problem for my team. In another, I might be discussing project delivery, staffing and timelines.

What do you think tech leaders could do to help support gender equality within their teams and how can businesses support women with their careers? 

Observe, be self-aware and aware of biases in the workplace. Unlearn and learn constantly. More so, try not to patronize the women on your team. Give them the opportunities, be a sponsor and not just a mentor. Before you give advice, ask them what they’re looking for from you.

What are your top 3 tips for women looking to break into tech or progress from their current position into a tech role?

• remember no one has a clue what they’re doing. everyone’s winging it so you’re not alone.

• when you detect imposter syndrome, try to separate feelings from the facts. List down facts, and you’ll realize you’re most likely killing it at your job

• focus on learning and give yourself the time to learn, the rest will fall into place