Don't wait to be noticed: An interview with CACI MD Tracey Weir
CACI is a finalist in the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year category at the upcoming Women in Tech Excellence Awards.
The perception of Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as an issue that matters, and the reporting of DEI initiatives and metrics are more widespread now than ever before. However, whilst many organisations are trying to enhance their DEI credentials, fewer are forging ahead with initiatives to genuinely shift the dial on diversity within their own organisations and build a strong, adaptable culture of inclusion to ensure that not only are they hiring diversely, but that all employees are supported equally, and equally likely to progress to leadership.
CACI are an example of an organisation with a leadership team committed to DEI, and as a result are finalists in the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year category at this years' Women in Tech Leadership Awards. Tracey Weir, MD of CACI explains why a diverse workforce is about so much more than appearance,
Why do you support Computing's Women in Tech Excellence Campaign?
I support Computing's Women in Tech Excellence Campaign because one of my key goals is to ensure we have a diverse workforce at CACI. Successful businesses require diversity in all levels and specialisms, including technology. Talented people from different backgrounds ensure diverse thinking, greater innovation and ultimately more successful delivery. For too long technology has been predominantly a male occupation and it's imperative we do all we can to give women and girls the confidence to make technology focussed career choices. We don't have enough people with technology skills in the UK so attracting many more women could make a real difference to all our resourcing challenges.
How did you get into IT industry?
I came to the IT industry through my early career in data and its application in marketing. As our industry has evolved, the convergence of vast amounts of digital data, the increasing power of technology and the use of AI has led to our business, and my own career, into becoming much more focussed on the deployment of technology to solve business challenges.
What you think is the main reason why the IT Industry is mainly male, especially in technical roles and senior positions?
At the most fundamental level, I don't think schools are doing enough to promote technology careers for women. As employers we also need to be careful that we present technical roles in the right way - it is easy to dissuade people from applying by using the wrong language to describe a role and not focussing on the broad range of skills needed to succeed. These go beyond engineering skills to include communication, planning and organisation - things women are often very good at.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned in your career?
The biggest lesson I've learned is don't wait to be noticed. You may be doing a great job but sometimes you must speak up if you want to your career evolve. It's a lot easier to do that and to change role in your existing business than leap to another employer.
What are your three top tips for women looking to start a career in IT? / What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles?
Firstly, remember that you don't have to be the most technical person to succeed. Soft skills like communication and organisation are key in most roles.
Second, find opportunities to talk to people in different businesses. There are endless IT opportunities and some types of business or sector will suit you more than others.
Third, realise that you need to embrace life-long learning - this is particularly important in technology given it evolves so rapidly. Take advantage of any training opportunities your company offers, in both technical and soft skills.
For those women aspiring to be leaders, look for a mentor or ask for some coaching - someone who can guide you in your chosen career and help you make the transition to a leadership role. Also, accept that you won't know everything - being a leader requires you to build the right team around you to help shape your business and come to the right decisions.
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