What it’s like to be a woman in tech

Prolific’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a checkbox – it's a core principle that shapes our culture and fuels our success. This International Women’s Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate some of the incredible women on our team, hearing about their journeys in tech, the diverse experiences and perspectives picked up en-route, and the valued contributions they each bring to our business.

Abigail Knowles

Hi Abigail 👋 Can you start by introducing yourself and your role, and sharing your experience in the field?

Hi, I’m Abbie, a Software Engineer at Prolific 👩‍💻 I've been studying Software Engineering since 2016 and graduated from Liverpool John Moores University in 2022. This is my second industry job since graduating.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Throughout school, my creativity stood out, but traditional paths didn't interest me. My uncle, a successful games developer, sparked my fascination with technology early on, serving as my initial gateway into the tech world.

I've always pursued my passion regardless of stereotypes. The people I've met in tech have been incredibly talented and inspiring, contributing to my growth both professionally and personally.

How challenging was it for you to enter the tech industry, and how has your journey been since?

I've always been transparent about my journey into the tech industry. Despite entering a predominantly male-dominated environment during my first placement job, I received unwavering support and mentorship. I've never felt diminished as an engineer due to stereotypes.

I empathize with women who face adversity in tech, but I assure them there are places that value their contributions. 💕

Who do you look up to, and why?

My sister is my real-life Wonder Woman 🦸‍♀️. Balancing parenthood as a first-time medical mum with her career as a primary school teacher, she excels in both roles with remarkable finesse, demonstrating unwavering commitment and proficiency regardless of the challenges she faces. ✨

How do you find being a woman in tech at Prolific? Is it different from your previous roles, and if so, how?

I feel genuinely valued here at Prolific. It's a workplace where everyone is celebrated regardless of gender, race, or background. I've never felt inferior because of my gender. What distinguishes Prolific is the collective passion and dedication of its employees. Each person is here because they genuinely want to be, driven by a shared commitment to our goals.

Sarah Weeks

Hi Sarah 👋 Can you start by introducing yourself and your role, and sharing your experience in the field?

Hi there 😊 I’m Sarah, a Software Engineer at Prolific. I've been in the field for about four years now, starting with an apprenticeship that included a three-month coding bootcamp! 👩‍💻

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My path into tech isn't what you'd call traditional—I'm a career changer. Thankfully, I was working for a supportive company when I decided to pursue a coding bootcamp part-time, which led to an apprenticeship opportunity. I chose tech because I thrive on daily challenges, continuous learning, and aiming for change in male-dominated industries.

The best part of being in tech? The people. I've met incredibly talented individuals and learned so much from them. When the culture is right, it's an amazing space for personal growth.

Who do you look up to, and why?

In my personal life, my mum is my biggest inspiration 💗 Her determination has taught me that with focus, anything is achievable.

In my tech career, every woman in the field inspires me! It's empowering to work alongside such incredible women and learn from them daily.

How do you find being a woman in tech at Prolific? Is it different from your previous roles, and if so, how?

Culture is crucial to me—I seek an environment where I feel valued and can grow. Prolific has been that place for me. While I've been fortunate to work in similar cultures before, Prolific truly embodies what it means to value its people. In my previous role, where I was one of only two women engineers, I felt the difference in culture. Prolific's passionate and driven team fuels my goals and inspires me daily.

Desy Kristianti

Hi Desy 👋 Can you start by introducing yourself and your role, and sharing your experience in the field?

Hi there! I’m Desy (rhymes with Messi, the football player), a Senior Software Engineer at Prolific, with 7.5 years of tech industry experience.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My childhood love for computer games sparked my desire to create them. However due to impostor syndrome I studied a different subject at university before discovering my real passion, ultimately transitioning to Computer Science and entering the tech world. The most fulfilling aspect of tech for me is the tangible impact we make through the software we build. At Prolific, we strive to revolutionise how the world learns about people, empowering them to revolutionize the world itself. Though my path diverged from gaming, I find joy in developing software that enriches lives and contributes to society. Working with like-minded individuals constantly challenges me to grow.

Who do you look up to, and why?

Growing up, I lacked visible role models in tech, facing biases and stereotypes along the way. However, throughout my career, encountering remarkable women in tech has been inspiring. Their presence motivates me to excel as an engineer and advocate for diversity and inclusion. Witnessing women in senior roles within Prolific's Engineering Leadership Team reinforces the possibility of not only entering but also thriving in tech. We shatter glass ceilings, inspiring future generations and becoming the role models I yearned for in my youth.

Farhana Khan

Hi Farhana 👋 Can you start by introducing yourself and your role, and sharing your experience in the field?

Hey there! I’m Farhana Khan, a Software Engineer at Prolific with 4 years of experience. Besides coding, I’m passionate about advocating for women in tech and fostering inclusivity, especially for mums like myself.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Witnessing technology's pivotal role in business transformation motivated me to dive into tech. I wanted to contribute to innovation and help businesses thrive through tech solutions. Personally, the best part is mentoring and empowering other women to join this incredible field.

How challenging was it for you to enter the tech industry, and how has your journey been since?

Despite facing casual sexism and a male-dominated classroom environment during university, I persevered. However, my experience drastically improved when I pursued a full stack web development program in the UK, finding immense support and camaraderie, especially from fellow female trainees.

Who do you look up to, and why?

Personally, my younger sister's resilience and determination inspire me. In the tech world, I'm inspired by countless women, including the brilliant minds at Prolific who've shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for others like me.

How do you find being a woman in tech at Prolific? Is it different from your previous roles, and if so, how?

Being a woman in tech at Prolific is refreshing. The near 1:1 gender ratio in meetings is a testament to the inclusive culture here. The unwavering support from both my team and the wider community is invaluable. Despite the challenges of balancing caring duties for my neurodivergent five-year-old, my EM and the entire Prolific team have consistently shown me unwavering support, making me feel valued and empowered.

Hannah Hammonds

Hi Hannah 👋 Can you start by introducing yourself and your role, and sharing your experience in the field?

Hi! 👋 I’m Hannah, a Service Delivery Lead at Prolific, with 10 years in tech. I focus on ensuring exceptional customer experiences by embedding IT service management best practices. Beyond that, I'm a strong advocate for women in tech, often inspiring the next generation through talks.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech, and what do you enjoy most about it?

Always drawn to tech, my apprenticeship at an MSP in a customer-facing role solidified my passion for exceptional service delivery. What I love most? Networking with other women in tech, fostering a supportive community, and personal growth within my role.

How challenging was it for you to enter the tech industry, and how has your journey been since?

My journey's been a rollercoaster 🎢, shaping me into who I am today. Overcoming biases and personal challenges has been part of it. As an advocate, I aim to empower women and drive positive change in the industry.

To aspiring techies, my advice is simple: go for it! Find support, and you'll find yourself in a fast-paced world meeting inspiring individuals.

Who do you look up to, and why?

Though I've never had a woman as a line manager, I've been fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring women within organizations. Previous leaders and SMEs in my service management journey have supported and cheered me on to deliver my best.

How do you find being a woman in tech at Prolific? Is it different from your previous roles, and if so, how?

Joining Prolific, being a woman in tech hasn't been a concern. Prioritizing inclusion and diversity, Prolific's values reflect in its treatment of everyone. I've never felt treated differently because of my gender, marking a significant difference from previous experiences.

Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your journey in tech, we want to hear from you. The Prolific team is an inclusive community where unique talents are celebrated and valued. And we’re hiring! Visit our job board today to discover exciting opportunities and take the next step in your career journey with us.