Interview with Emma Jenkins, software engineer of the year

Computing catches up with Emma Jenkins, technical analyst at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and winner of the software engineer of the year award at the Women in IT Excellence Awards

The Women in IT Excellence Awards 2018 was a fantastic occasion, celebrating the many female success stories the UK has to offer.

Computing has previously published a full rundown of all the winners on the night, and a gallery of all the best photographs from the evening.

Emma Jenkins, technical analyst at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council won the Software Engineer of the Year award.

Computing caught up with her to find out what the win means for her, and what opportunities she sees to encourage more women into the industry.

Computing: What did you think of the awards?

Emma Jenkins: The awards provided an opportunity to raise awareness across the industry of the great work women are doing in IT. Employers who nominated were able to show appreciation and recognition which can raise morale and empower women, regardless of winning or being shortlisted. The awards have raised my aspirations in my IT career showing to myself what I can do.

CTG: How did you feel when you won?

EJ: I never expected to win so this came as a surprise to me. I often feel like I just do my job and my first thoughts was that this award was for my team, especially the other women in it. While I still feel this way for the rest of my team, I now realise that it is also my win and I should enjoy what this means for me and my career.

CTG: What do we need to do to encourage more women into the industry?

EJ: Aspirations are driven from the top; women looking for a career in IT need to be able to see a possible career path for them. Many high-profile, publicised top leaders in IT companies are male. I believe there are many high-achieving women in the industry who are simply under-represented. The industry needs to highlight these strong women and celebrate their success.

CTG: Are there ways to encourage more diversity in software engineering particularly?

EJ: I believe the door is wide open now for any woman who wants to be a software engineer but many (not all) will agree such role has a ‘nerdy' reputation. What potential female engineers need to see is the warm, welcoming culture of closely-knit, collaborative teams full of new challenges and opportunities for growth, development and work-life balance

CTG: What are your priorities for 2019?

EJ: In 2019 I will complete my diploma in Management and Leadership. This qualification will help me in my current Software Engineer role to understand culture and team dynamics and how my behaviours, values and working styles affect my team. Learning the principles of developing, managing and leading individuals and teams to achieve success will prepare me for future aspirations leading IT teams.

The Women in IT Excellence Awards will be back in 2019. Stay tuned to Computing to find out when entries open!