Expert in the spotlight: Maria, Head of PMO, about the Importance of Lifelong Learning and Network Building in a Technology Career

In this series, we’ll put the spotlight on Devoteam G Cloud’s experts who are always at the forefront of driving progress in the exciting and rapidly-evolving Google Cloud world. In this article you’ll meet Maria, Head of PMO at Devoteam G Cloud in the Netherlands. She talks about why women should definitely pursue a career in tech!

What position do you hold?

I’m working as the head of PMO, the Project Management Office at Devoteam G Cloud Netherlands. In my job, I’m responsible for the delivery phase of our customers’ projects. The projects mostly focus on building Infrastructure foundations on Google Cloud or on data & analytics projects that use Google Cloud technology like BigQuery and Looker.

In my position, I ensure that every project is delivered to our customers with a positive experience. This includes coordinating efforts between both the customer and our team by understanding their project goals and objectives and working towards achieving those goals.

From Project Coordinator to Head of PMO

I started my career at IBM as a project coordinator within the global infrastructure department and that was my first contact with the tech environment. It was a good path to discover my passion for planning, managing, organizing and achieving goals. It was also then that I noticed that my tech colleagues recognised my skills in these areas, and found it important to get guided on the progress of their projects. Once I got my first experience, I had success in leading large-scale projects, such as constructing a virtual data centre and leading migration projects which provided me again with additional valuable knowledge about IT infrastructure, networking and security.

Once I gained experience, I successfully led large-scale projects. These included constructing a virtual data centre and leading migration projects. This provided me with valuable knowledge about IT infrastructure, networking, and security.

Transition to Consulting

After a while, I transitioned to the consulting side of the business, working with cloud/digital-native companies. I find consulting to be the most fulfilling role. It allows me to apply my knowledge and expertise to the specific needs of each customer and project.

I joined Devoteam G Cloud, which provided me with opportunities for learning and growth. I was placed on a fast-track learning path, including the opportunity to become a certified Google Cloud Digital Leader. This resulted in my recent promotion to Head of PMO.

Lifelong Learning & Consulting: The Best Job

Two aspects of my job make it the best:

• Continuous Learning: I learn a lot from the engineers. I’ve found that being open-minded and always prepared to learn is crucial. This approach to “lifelong learning” has been the main driver of my professional growth.
• Diverse Experiences: I enjoy the consulting experience at Devoteam G Cloud. I get to work with different clients from various industries. Each day and project is unique. I learn a lot from my clients and often find new ways to collaborate.

Additionally, I appreciate the flexibility that the technology industry provides. We use great Digital Workplace tools like Google Workspace, Jira, Slack, and Lucidchart. These cloud-based tools allow me to work remotely and have a more flexible schedule.

Women in Tech: Valuable Perspectives

Women bring valuable perspectives to the technology industry. We often think and perceive things differently, leading to diverse opinions and problem-solving approaches.

However, women may struggle with networking and self-promotion. I have personally experienced this. There are not as many female colleagues in the industry to provide support, connections, and opportunities for sharing experiences.

Despite this challenge, I believe many women have the potential to pursue a career in IT.

Encouraging Women in Tech

How can we ensure more women choose a career in tech?

• Early Education: Education at an early age is important, especially for girls. Societal expectations and unconscious bias may limit their potential. We must eliminate these biases and support girls in pursuing their interests, including informatics. It’s important to recognise that unconscious bias exists and affects our perceptions. We must actively work to become aware of our own biases. This will help us make conscious and inclusive decisions.
• Inclusive Environments: Creating a positive and inclusive environment for women in technology is crucial. This includes providing opportunities for women to reach senior positions. It also means having more female role models. This can serve as inspiration and proof that women can overcome barriers to success.

In my experience at Devoteam G Cloud, I have not felt this bias. The company values diversity of thought and encourages individuals to share their perspectives and ideas. This is why I am currently a female PMO expert, able to bring my unique perspective to the table.

3 Tips for Women Considering a Career in Tech

• Embrace the Opportunity: Don’t be afraid to recommend a career in technology, especially to women. The tech industry brings many advantages, such as learning opportunities, flexibility, and a good work-life balance. At Devoteam G Cloud, we have the freedom to decide when and where we work.
• Lifelong Learning: Continuously improve hard and soft skills through lifelong learning. My constant pursuit of knowledge and staying up-to-date with technology has driven my success. I have gained multiple certifications in areas such as agile methodologies and from leading cloud providers like Google Cloud. Understanding how the cloud works has played a vital role in my professional growth.
• Network: Actively build a professional network. Connect with individuals in the field. This can provide valuable mentorship and role models. These connections may even open doors to new opportunities!