One woman developing in her field
When did you join Zen? Can you tell us a little about what the role involves?
I joined Zen in May 2019 as a Systems Analyst in the Platforms Team. I am currently a Senior Systems Analyst. My role involves interacting with Stakeholders, evaluating business processes and requirements, whilst working proactively to resolve issues and find solutions. I support junior Systems Analyst's with their development and platform configuration whilst also ensuring we follow best practice and governance.
What was it that made you choose the Zen / Salesforce team?
I had always heard of Zen being an amazing place to work. When I originally applied for the role, I was on Maternity leave and just decided to ‘go for it’, put myself out there and push myself as this would be a much more technical role then I was used to.
I was successful in my interview and was offered a role, but I let my limited beliefs get the better of me, so I declined the position. I regretted that decision for a while, until one day, whilst heading home at 11pm on a train from London, I emailed the HR team at Zen and asked if there was any current or upcoming Vacancies in the team. It must have been my lucky day because I was able to have a chat with the hiring manager the next day and he offered me the position (again). This time I grabbed the opportunity with both hands and haven’t looked back.
Why did you join the WIT Develop group?
I joined the WIT Develop group so I could showcase that you don’t need to have a Technical degree or background to work in technology. I wanted to help the team to show that there are gateways into Technology that don’t require you to go to Uni, or feel you can never get into it because you didn’t make the decision when you were 18.
I also wanted to feel part of a team making a difference and being part of WIT is like being in a supported community. My role is very underrepresented in the male:female ratio so anything I can do to put a spotlight on it, and help change the curve I will do.
How has being part of the Develop group helped you to develop yourself?
Being part of this group has elevated my communication skills. It has improved my confidence in speaking to people and making new friends.
It has made me recognise how important it is to celebrate peoples good work, and coach and develop the other women in my team.
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As a working mum, with a new baby – what have been the challenges around balancing work and home, what things have helped you to do this?
The main challenge I found was remembering how to just be Megan, the Senior Systems Analyst and not mum for 8 hours. This took a little while to get back into the swing of it, but the Maternity buddy scheme really helped me with this.
After so long off, and most of the days just being you and your baby, you do struggle to hold conversations, to engage your brain in things other then bottle, nappy, nursery rhymes, nap time … repeat. Getting myself into a routine with work where I blocked time out in my diary really helped organise my day and ensuring I had regular chats with my team soon got me back into it.
I have also managed to agree on new working hours to help balance both work and home life, so I know work 4 days a week allowing me to have one day off with my baby and 4 days where he is in nursery and I’m in work.
I moved my son to the onsite nursery which helped massively with my morning routine, as it meant one less drop off, an easier routine, as well as the financial benefit with the discount Zen staff receive!
Are there any tips or advice for anyone reading this about getting involved in this type of initiative?
Go for it, make new friends and put yourself out there. You get to speak to people who you wouldn’t normally speak with in your role, you work on building relationships, develop your skills, and get to be involved in projects that are really making a difference at Zen and your work is hugely appreciated and recognised by the SLT .
Are there any activities you will be getting involved in with that you are looking forward to and what are they, and what are they hoping to achieve?
Networking event in Rochdale 9th March – which I encouraged two other members of my team to join
Living Leader – Mid March – really looking forward to this course and learning more about myself and developing myself
WIT Development Sessions – helping roll out to the wider audience is Zen including confidence/ presenting
Buddy – Im becoming a Zen Buddy which im looking forward to
I am also enrolling in the Mentorship programme which was created as a WIT initiative. I hope to one day be a mentor myself so I can give back to others who are seeking mentorship and development.