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Sonal Shah
Vice President, Barclays
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Broadening diversity in our profession will benefit the industry in every way.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am in charge of large IT and business change programmes and projects.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I took a year out to change careers into technology by doing a Masters degree. I knew there was more variety and potential as there are many different careers within technology and it is ever changing.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
To have gone into technology sooner! Careers advice at school and college was not forthcoming about the potential in this profession. Additionally, the awards that I have won - winning We Are The City’s Rising Stars award not once but twice (sponsored by The Times) and top Tech100 and in the Diversity category. I’m keen to encourage more females and diversity in STEM particularly the technology by doing many things such as charity work. I hope to inspire and be inspired by others and give back to the community - and work to make a difference and share more understanding of the technology industry and what is possible.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love the variety and fast pace as things are always changing, the industry is innovative, exciting and interesting.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
With a minimal number of women currently in the industry, it’s an opportunity to show the range of experience we bring and how broadening diversity in our profession will benefit the industry in every way. I share my passion with young and old to increase diversity in technology and to get more females in senior management - especially to inspire those less fortunate and instill confidence that they can work in an exciting area such as STEM.
INSPO / FUN FACT
“Passion is energy.” Oprah Winfrey