INTERNATIONAL GIRLS IN ICT DAY – 27 APRIL 2023
To mark the 12th anniversary of International Girls in ICT Day, we hear from three women working in DFAT ICT. Desire Scheepers, Locally Engaged Staff, Local Area Network Administrator (LANA) in Pretoria; Sheryl Taylor, Messaging System Administrator in Canberra and Desi Fielding, Regional Technical Officer (RTO) in London share their journeys.
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Image: Speed to Market: Austrade electronic messaging users from posts around the world gathered in Canberra (1993) receiving a briefing session with Communications Manager, Desi Fielding (seated).
Desire, what got you into ICT and what has helped you along the way?
Having grown up with a mum that was divorced and forced to fix whatever the problem was, I learnt from her. When I started in my first job, in the South African Police Service, it took me a while to realise that there was a whole IT department that was supposed to do IT related things. I was not employed in a technical position, but just fell into it by trying to find solutions to challenges.
What are your career highlights?
I spent some time in Canberra attending LANA training and that was such a great experience. I have worked through two major IT fit-outs, the last one of which was in 2018. It was so awesome to see a whole system put in place in a small amount of time and be a part of it. The opportunity to call on other colleagues for advice and assistance [was] one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
What advice do you give to girls and women interested in ICT?
I have two girls and I always try to encourage them to use IT to learn new things, and that advice is relevant for everyone. Don’t let anybody ever tell you that you can’t do anything or let anything stand in your way. It is such an exciting time to live with the rapid advances in technology. Become part of the advances and shaping the future because the future is in your hands.
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Sheryl, how did your DFAT tech journey begin?
I started in DFAT back in 1975 in the Communications Section. Computers came in slowly from about 1980. What got you into the comms field?
By luck and chance. I moved to Canberra and was interested in shift work and the only position was at DFAT in the communications section. I took the job, and it was all manual work as there were no computers. It was all on the job training, and we had to learn to read a tape with punched holes in it – [that’s] how cables were sent. What was it like transitioning to computers and the Official Diplomatic Information Network?
My first time on a computer was quite strange but after a while you realised it was a lot easier than what we were doing before. The Messaging System was first introduced when I was in Washington. I had to train myself and other staff with help from Australia. We had to work out what to do as there was no training, manuals or a ‘help desk’ like we have today.
What are your career highlights?
I led a charmed life as far as postings go. Three to Washington DC, one to UN New York, Paris, and Warsaw.
What has changed from a ‘women in leadership/diversity perspective’ in ICT over the years?
Back in my early days with DFAT, women played a background role with the introduction of computers. Fortunately, this changed over time with women taking on key roles as new I.T. equipment was introduced. It changed so much and so many of my women colleagues have ended up being the leaders.
What advice would you give to girls and women interested in ICT?
My advice would be to embrace ICT head on.
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Desi, how did you get into ICT?
I first got into ICT in high school in 1984. The school had activities outside the normal curriculum and one that intrigued me was “Personal Computing”. I had no idea what it meant but I thought I am going to find out what it’s all about. I started working at Austrade where I secured my first overseas position based in Los Angeles. I would offer my assistance to DFAT as I travelled through the Americas region. My reputation spread throughout the Senior Administration Officer network and as a result, I was hired as Regional I.T. Coordinator as a locally engaged officer based in New York.
What are your career highlights?
I have been very fortunate to work for DFAT and had the opportunity to visit more than 80 posts around the world, meeting so many people from all walks of life and different cultures. Travelling to places where you would normally never go and making friends that have lasted a lifetime.
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced professionally?
Working around unconscious bias has always been a challenge and most of my career has been spent trying to prove myself. Sometimes when other people doubt your abilities, this can lead to you doubting yourself or second guessing yourself. There are two ways of dealing with this–1. To reinforce to yourself that you can do and learn anything you put your mind to; and 2. Participate in the workplace to raise awareness. Most people don’t even realise they are acting on prejudices (and yes woman do this too).
What do you say to girls and women wanting to get into ICT?
My advice for women and girls is if you want to get into ICT just say “Yes”. Say yes to projects, yes to training, yes to seminars, yes to something you don’t think you can do and yes to something you’re not sure you will enjoy. Just lean into any opportunity that presents itself.
For more information about jobs in DFAT ICT, please contact DiversityinIT@dfat.gov.au