At QSuper, they know women are the future. In IT, which is typically an area where women are under-represented, they are investing in supporting their women. They want to bring more women in and make sure they thrive.
We spoke to 15 inspiring women succeeding in the QSuper Group’s IT department, about how QSuper empowers women, the best things about working there, and why women should consider careers in IT.
Read on below to see what they said about the opportunities they’ve had and why you might like IT too!
Jane Ericksen, Manager Business Consulting, MSO SA&BC
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
QSuper is part of the She’s on Q Community to meet like-minded women and support each other in managing our finances and career; a key pillar of our CSR program is Empowering Women; we have undertaken networking events across IT with our CIO; and we have a comprehensive leadership program– QSuper Leadership Academy.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
“QSuper IT participates in a graduate program to provide the first step into a technology business, and there are many paths to further progress their IT career. The external communities such as She’s on Q allows for career-focused networking for women seeking to initiate or further their IT career and our robust development planning and talent management programs also enable women to move to IT.”
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
QSuper’s support of women in the workplace is multi-facetted. It’s weaved into our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, CSR Program, focused networking events, QSuper Values and the Reward & Recognition Program. Since my time at QSuper, I have undertaken two secondments, and now in a new role which significantly enhanced my career and job satisfaction.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
Never a dull moment in IT – such exciting technology advancements. IT has diverse career progression opportunities at multiple levels to suit your unique goals and talents – and it continues to evolve. Technology is more pervasive in our societies now than ever, so I think this is changing the male-dominant perception as it underpins our daily lives and can make a material difference to someone’s life.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
QSuper has one of the best cultures I have experienced in my 25-year career and the most opportunities realized for me in such a short time. I am a female leader in IT feeling empowered to push the boundaries. QSuper welcomes diversity and integrates this into its operating model – opportunities abound!
Michelle Munro, Lead Cloud Engineer, Cloud Operations, IT Shared Services
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
QSuper have a comprehensive leadership program – QSuper Leadership Academy and a brand new IT graduate program.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
Encouraging me to apply for a technical leadership position and being celebrated as a woman in IT. It’s a safe learning environment and I find encouragement from management to pursue my talents. There are many women I look up to and admire as a woman in IT and the wider QSuper team.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
“If you love being constantly challenged to continuously learn and adapt to new trends, build solutions to improve the experience of users in all aspects of business then I recommend a career in IT.”
It’s exciting at every step of the way. This is the case more than ever with modern solution development practices, cloud computing and emerging data and analytics practices.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
That I’m supported and there are a number of women in IT and beyond to look up to and admire.
Alex Koppon, Graduate Systems Developer – IT Delivery
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
I’m part of a graduate program, which has given me the chance to start my career in IT. As part of the program, I have a mentor, as well as generally the support from everyone in my team. It’s been a fantastic learning experience.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
Through the initiative of employees and leaders. For example, my team leader has made a personal effort to improve the ratio of women in his department, and as a result of his efforts and the culture in my department, I encourage other women to consider IT as a viable pathway.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
” QSuper provides me with real opportunities and a viable pathway to success, as well as many senior female role models in the positions I am aiming towards. There is a prioritization and focus on what employees want, and how leaders can help individuals achieve their career goals.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
In my experience, IT is all about creativity and problem solving, which can be incredibly rewarding, and a lot of fun. Also, because of the problem solving nature of IT, I think it’s essential to have people with diverse experiences to find the best solutions.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
From day one I saw other women in senior roles in my department, so I knew there were pathways to moving up the ladder at QSuper. Though, most importantly, I’d say that I haven’t been treated like a woman in IT, but as any other developer.
Ati Brown, Delivery Manager– Superannuation Domain – IT Delivery
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
In Super domain we welcome graduates to our teams every year. Our graduate program offers a unique and rewarding experience focusing on diversity, creativity and building technical and non-technical skills to develop future leaders.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
At QSuper we lead by example and make women feel welcome in IT by supporting learning opportunities. We offer job shadowing programs and mentoring female colleagues into leadership roles, offer more flexible working hours, and allow women to take charge and educate by providing online learning, self-directed development, leadership courses.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
I am a passionate believer in empowering my team. Believe in them so they believe in themselves and their ability to step up and take charge of their development. Just recently I encouraged one of my long term and very talented team members to consider a lateral move which will open many doors for her career progression. QSuper backed me up and supported me to make this happen.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
A Career in IT is exciting and rewarding. It moves fast so you are always learning. It feels wonderful to collaborate, to have a purpose and be part of a team which makes a difference and has a positive impact on people’s lives.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
“I have had a wonderful career progression at QSuper. For the past 7 years, IT at QSuper has provided support, coaching and guidance which assisted me in my leadership journey.”
I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve our members and work with our wonderful colleagues at QSuper.
Natacha Vergne, IT Investment
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
IT provides lots of career perspective and a great salary. IT is also great for people who like to solve problems and are creative. IT is all about listening to users and seeing how we can improve their life by automating their tasks. People are very grateful when I develop something that cuts 20 minutes out of their day. It is a nice feeling.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
“Highly recommended. Contrary to preconceived ideas, IT is not completely male dominated, and I have always worked with a very friendly team.”
It’s a good atmosphere where everyone can have a good career and not as competitive as some other fields.
Jenny Oliver, Data Quality & Governance Analyst, Data Office/IT Arch
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
Training and development is a key initiative in IT at QSuper. I feel supported not only by team members and management in the help and advice they provide but also by the learning opportunities available to me through formal qualifications.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
QSuper provides valuable exposure to successful women where we have several women working in high profile/managerial positions. As role models these women are not just high profile/managers, they are relatable and interpersonal, and I think this is what helps other women open doors for themselves to a rewarding career in IT.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
“In my time with QSuper I’ve never felt as though I’ve been treated differently because I’m a woman. It’s a very inclusive environment, everyone is able to voice their thoughts and ideas freely, without judgement.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
IT is a challenging but very rewarding industry to work in; there are so many opportunities to have a varied and exciting career. It doesn’t matter at which stage of a career you’re at, there is always the opportunity to draw upon previous knowledge in IT and get up to speed with new technologies in a forever developing profession.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
As a woman in IT at QSuper I feel empowered to be the best I can be. There’s support and guidance for me to challenge myself and progress career wise but there’s also the understanding that a happy work life balance is important.
Dina Tate, Delivery Manager – Relationship Management Team, Digital Applications
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
Leadership programs, informal mentors, learning on the job.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
By participating in formal Teen Mentoring (for indigenous young women) which I did in the last year or two.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
I feel that I’ve achieved what I have achieved in QSuper (and my career in general) on my own merit. I’ve never felt gender was a consideration in my roles.
“An active thing I have always done is meet with female colleagues regularly, keep them in mind for any roles I know are coming up, networking with women at QSuper and externally.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
While it has been a traditionally male dominated profession, I think it is less so today than 20 years ago. The IT career is a varied one, spans multiple disciplines, and is just a good place for women as it is for men.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
I feel that there have been (and are) many strong, professional women in Leadership positions at QSuper, women lift each other up – that traditional ‘women’s competition’ doesn’t happen here and we are treated equally by each other and men alike.
Kelley Cooper, Senior Business Analyst, IT Delivery
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
I don’t feel I am treated any differently to men which to me is really important and helps give you the confidence that you are equal.
QSuper encourages work life balance so it is accepted, and I don’t feel like I’m penalized in any way for making things work for me.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
“Working in IT can be very rewarding and exciting, it is about change and the future which I think a lot of us want to be involved in. IT is very broad, it’s not just about computers.”
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
I have always felt supported and never been made to feel like I don’t belong in IT at QSuper. My experience here is nothing but positive and I really enjoy working here which is why I am still here after 10 years.
Jane Hogan, Manager Information Security Governance, Information Security
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
QSuper has just commenced its own IT Graduate program. I recruited a female graduate from the previous program who has done so well at QSuper and has gone on to become an IT Security Analyst.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
“I am involved in the Australian Women in Security Network which is a community dedicated to the development and networking for women in my industry. I will always ensure any advertised roles are shared to this community and I am often approached by women starting out their career in security.”
I feel like I have a good depth of experience and I really enjoy imparting my learnings onto those starting out. Every female I have worked with in my industry has been an inspiring and enjoyable experience, and more often than not I have also made long-lasting friendships with these women too! I think women bring so much to security and I would love to see more women succeed and join us.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
IT is no longer just about hard-core technology and coding. A successful IT team understands and champions the priorities of the business (for example, user experience) and requires strong leadership, creative thinking and organizational skills.
Fiona Willmott, Iteration Lead/Test Lead for EISS
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
“Many of our leadership is made up of women. This shows to me that IT is no longer a male dominated industry and that I can get as far as I want within this company.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
In decades past IT was a very male dominated industry, but not anymore. I would encourage anyone with a passion for technology to consider a career in IT.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
I have never felt that being a woman in IT with QSuper has ever been a disadvantage or given me an advantage for that matter. I have the skills to do my role well and that is what is important to my leaders.
Monica Mihai, Business Architect in MSO Strategy Alignment and Business Consulting
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
Generally speaking, the IT discipline is male dominated. At QSuper, I often find myself in a room talking to all male technical teams.
“The culture at QSuper ensures I am never concerned about speaking out even in those settings. Further, in IT @ QSuper, there is a very strong contingent of women in leadership roles to look up to, learn from, and aspire to be.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
The pace of change today, is the slowest its’ ever going to be. The future will only see more and more changes, in a far more rapid manner. Working in IT lets you be in the front seat of these fascinating times, and where else would you rather be?
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
The skills you bring to the table, be it hard technical skills or soft interpersonal skills, are respected, and valued. IT is not just about 0’s and 1’s, it’s about helping an organisation do the right things, make the right changes, and travel the right path. Working in IT @ QSuper lets you live and breathe this every day.
Teagan Cliff, Security Operations Analyst – Information Security
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
I was hired as part of the QLD Government IT Graduate program, of which QSuper was an active participant. I understand that this coming year, QSuper will be running its own program. The program includes structured ongoing training and development throughout your contract. I was also mentored by my previous Manager, who is an exceptional woman in IT and was always willing to provide guidance and advice.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
QSuper has currently partnered with multiple companies (like WORK180) as part of its strategy to help encourage more women to consider IT as a career path. I have also been fortunate to attend a number of cybersecurity conferences as a QSuper representative.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
“One of my first experiences was during my first job interview with QSuper, when the salary question came up. My future manager told me as a woman in IT to believe in and stand up for my worth, and it’s OK to take your time to read through and consider job contracts before agreeing to them. I have never forgotten that advice.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
IT is an ever-expanding area, with loads of variety in potential career pathways. You will never have a dull day. IT is also well remunerated and there is generally a high demand for employees in cyber security.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
Part of the reason I chose QSuper was the fact that it lived its values of diversity. My future manager was a highly competent and supportive woman in IT, and our team also included a person with a visible disability. My work within the role has been challenging. I have had a high degree of autonomy; my contributions were valued, and I have learned a significant amount as a result.
Vicki Love, Delivery Manager, Integration – IT Shared Services
What graduate, mentor and development programs does Q Super have to support women in IT?
I truly feel we are all treated equally regardless of gender and the same opportunities are available to us all. As a non-technical woman working in an incredibly technical team, I have felt incredibly supported and my colleagues have always taken the time to answer any questions I have or give me additional training/information when I have asked for it.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
“In my opinion, the best thing that QSuper does for me is to not take my gender into account.”
I don’t feel that I am treated any differently to my male colleagues. I do appreciate the fact that as a working mother of two, QSuper is a very caring and flexible organization to work for but this is true for all of us working here!
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
IT is an incredibly exciting area to work in. It is constantly changing and there’s never a boring day – something is always happening! If you are looking for a challenging role in a constantly evolving area, IT would be a good place to look.
Taru Gupta, Senior Integration Specialist, Enterprise Integration and Shared Platforms
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
QSuper emphasis on personal as well as professional growth, Code of Conduct, leave policy, flexible workplace arrangements, equal opportunities as male colleagues, no gender-bias are just a few policies to name which empower me as a woman.
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
Coming from a non-IT background, I found IT to be mentally challenging, requiring multi fold skills in leadership, mentoring, time management and flexibility to name a few. IT has been incredibly rewarding in terms of providing a multitude of challenges and constantly striving to do better. During these tough times, IT has acted as an enabler for most people to continue delivering irrespective of location, and QSuper’s flexible working policy has provided peace of mind.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
“IT has allowed me to juggle being a partner, parent and a professional with women friendly policies implemented by QSuper.”
Regular salary reviews to ensure pay parity is another highlight of QSuper. QSuper has an open culture which promotes participation of women in all facets of organization, with women in various high-level positions providing inspiration to women like me.
Liz Daykin, Enterprise Data Steward, IT Architecture
What graduate, mentor and development programs does QSuper have to support women in IT?
QSuper has an environment that strongly encourages owning your own career and they provide the support necessary for you to achieve your goals. QSuper has a Leadership Academy for those with either/both technical and leadership ability and encourages external learning if desired. They assisted me to obtain my Master’s in Data Science as well as getting my DAMA certifications. I also mentored university students which I found extremely rewarding being able to share my knowledge and experience with women at the start of their careers.
How does QSuper encourage more girls and women to get into STEMM and IT, and how are you involved?
QSuper has numerous women in senior management and executive positions across the company not just in IT. In both my roles at QSuper, my teams have had a higher proportion of females to males. Data Governance and Analytics are areas women naturally do quite well in.
How does QSuper empower you as a woman in the workplace?
I have constantly been encouraged to pursue my career goals while at QSuper.
“QSuper has provided me with a work life balance where I can be ambitious and have a rewarding career while also having a fulfilling life outside of work.”
Why should a woman consider a career in IT?
Data people tend to stick together and support each other, irrespective of gender. Therefore, if working with data interests you I would highly recommend it. If you have the passion for data, then it’s a highly rewarding career.
What do you want people to know about your experience as a woman in IT at QSuper?
IT Architecture at QSuper has been one of the most positive work environments I have experienced throughout my career. I feel that I am a valued member of the management team and that my team’s contributions to QSuper are valued and respected.
This content is provided for information purposes only and the views and opinions are based solely on the observations, views and opinions of the authors and those providing comments.
