In this instalment of Leading the way, we hand the mic over to our female-identifying contractors, giving them the stage to discuss the challenges and triumphs they face within the tech industry. As part of the ongoing conversation off of International Women’s Day, we want to give our contractor community the opportunity to speak about their experiences. Today we’re joined by Auckland-based contractor, Jennifer Jarvis.

Tell us about your current role and career background.

I’ve been a tester, usually a test lead or test manager, for 26 years. I’m currently taking a couple months off to renovate my house to put it on the market because that’s an interesting skill set to have as well.

What’s the most challenging aspect of your role?

Being a “career contractor”, the repeated and frequent high learning curve as you move from role to role is perhaps the most difficult, but also the most interesting! It means I’ve had the chance to work across numerous industries, all of which cross-improve my ability to do my job.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

I love the creativity necessary to understand what needs to be done for a project and to craft the necessary testing outcomes to prove the solution to be delivered. The mind gets to work in a multi-disciplinary way, pulling together timeframes, resources, impact on upstream and downstream projects, and most of all: what needs to be done to winkle out the issues!

What has your experience been like as a woman in a male-dominated industry?

I’ve never found there to be a difference, at least in my industry. I don’t see my colleagues in terms of male or female, they’re all just colleagues and friends.

In terms of pay, at least in my industry, I believe it is true women get paid less, but it is my pet theory that it’s because they don’t ask for as much as men do. The friends I have that ask for what they want, typically get it, and those rates are 100% on par with their male counterparts (or above).

Do you have a role model who has inspired you?

I hate to say it, but my earliest role model was a guy! My first manager Brian was calm, patient, and very kind. Every time I start to get a bit flustered from time and project pressures, I try to channel his “calm in the face of the storm” energy.

There aren’t a lot of senior women in IT – project managers and BAs, yes, but not testers, programmers, etc. I’ve worked with many amazing female colleagues in my time who inspire me daily, but a role model tends to be a higher position than oneself, I think.

What advice would you give your younger self/someone who wants to enter the industry?

I’d say if you have an analytical and creative mind and don’t mind things being a bit repetitive (although there is a lot of change, too), go for it! It’s a brilliant career that even AI won’t derail, at least not in the near future. Most companies’ IT sectors are very understanding of work-life balance which is important for everyone but especially women juggling the roles they do.

At Talent, we’re proud to represent and support a global network of over 5,000 active contractors. Helping professionals unleash their potential has been the foundation of our business for over 25 years, and we’re not stopping yet. Learn more about the contractor community at Talent and how we can help you build your dream career here.