Epic Women in Tech — Melissa Arneau
How did you get into the tech field?

I was offered the opportunity to join the integrations team at WorldRemit for a secondment for a month in November 2015. I then joined them permanently in January 2016. I was there until June 2019. I then joined one of the product teams at Miller Insurance Services LLP in October 2019.

What are the main challenges in this field?

In my case, as I joined without any prior experience nor background in tech or IT, it was to ensure I found the relevant resources to gain the relevant skills, but also still trust my instincts. Another challenge was to interview for a new role in tech, as my previous job was an internal placement based on my knowledge of the existing product at the time. I spent a fair amount of time during my job search ensuring how to translate what I learned and adapt it to make it universal in a way.

What are the things you’ve learned being a woman in tech?

I have been fairly lucky in both positions that my colleagues didn’t judge me and didn’t attribute my inexperience to my gender. It enabled me to always base all my progress on my skills and the quality of my work. However I’m fully aware this isn’t the case in every workplace, and this motivated me to become a stronger ally/supporter/mentor to any woman who seeked advice and support from me

What advice would you give to women who would like to join the industry?

Embrace the fear and do it anyway! Also trust the people who give you a chance. When I was offered my first position, I was terrified of failing and kept on questioning why they came to me for this role. I spoke with a friend who has been a tester for over 20 years, and she told me they wouldn’t have reached out to me if they didn’t think I had the potential.

Who are your role models?

My former boss, Catherine, who offered me my first role in tech, and my grandmother, who had many first new experiences in her life and achieved more than people thought she would.

If you could go back in time to your first days in the industry, what would you do differently or tell yourself?

I wouldn’t rush into trying to learn everything at once. It’s ok to not know everything, despite what others can say. Also, I know more than I think I do.
['Sonya Moisset']
['Technology', 'Women In Tech', 'Diversity And Inclusion', 'Tech', 'Interview']