Tech Tuesday: Tara Mitchell, Project Manager

1. What first got you interested in working in technology?

I thought I wanted to get into construction project management, and so I began working for a telecommunications utility construction company, building the telecom infrastructure for various big name companies.

Technology changes so quickly, as does the infrastructure we were building, and I found it fascinating. It peaked my interests, and so I explored ways to expand my knowledge into the software solutions side of the tech industry.

2. What AI or machine learning capabilities are you most looking forward to?

To be completely honest, I find it all to be quite captivating. The advancements in AI or machine learning capabilities in healthcare, transportation, and data analytics – I’m excited to see how we may benefit from such innovations.

3. What was the most challenging aspect of your career and how did you overcome it?

I climbed the corporate ladder rather quickly when I first got into the workforce but had the unfortunate experience of age and gender discrimination that cost me my job. I was told the older male-dominated workforce that I managed didn’t respect me as a younger female leader. It hit me like a ton of bricks.

But instead of allowing the experience to bring me down, I used that anger to fuel my ambitions to get back out there and keep striving to be the best version of myself, and I’ve had a rather rewarding career ever since.

4. Any advice for women who want to join the tech industry?

I know the tech industry can seem intimidating at first. There’s a lot to learn. The great thing about this industry is that it’s always evolving, and often more rapidly than any other industry, so we’re all always educating ourselves. Chances are, everyone else will be learning alongside you no matter where you start.