Claire Tran, software engineer at Gumtree and a City Lead for Women Who Code

EGR Technology: How did you end up working in technology?

Claire Tran (CT): I just happened to fall into it. When I was about 10 my uncle gave me a computer, he taught me some commands and how to play games. After that I didn’t really show a lot of interest in computers. By the time it came to choose subjects for the HSC (the equivalent of A Levels in Australia) I chose software design and development. It wasn’t taught very well so I didn’t like it at first. Somehow I liked it in the end and when it was time to choose something for university I put software engineering first and economics second. I got into software engineering. Fast forward, I went to university, moved countries and now I’m in tech and in London.

EGR Technology: What does your role entail at Gumtree?

CT: I’m a software developer at Gumtree and it’s a bit unique because I don’t just code. I get involved with a lot of the tech culture and tech initiatives. So we host some tech talks or Codebar which is a group that helps people get into tech to learn about coding and we provide coaching.

EGR Technology: At Gumtree, are there any specific initiatives to encourage more women into tech roles within the company?

CT: We’re just at the tip of the iceberg. Getting into the tech community and being seen is going to help not just women but everybody that wants to get into tech.

The recruitment team reached out to me a few months ago asking how we can get more women into tech, which is where I suggested Women Who Code so now we’ve become a global sponsor. That way we’ll be able to reach not just women in London but also across the world.

EGR Technology: What does your role involve as City Lead for Women Who Code?

CT: I organise workshops and events for our members. These could be tech talks, for example, as well as technical workshops. I found out about it in Sydney. When I found Women Who Code I felt like wow, a group of people just like me. I’m a woman, I’m in tech. I get to meet other people. It’s also helped me with my self-confidence.  We want to provide a network for women to not just be successful in their tech careers but also to grow them, their leadership skills and self-confidence.

EGR Technology: What are the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry?

CT: I myself was discouraged because it is a male-dominated industry. Luckily I ignored that. When I started off as a junior 10 years ago I wasn’t very confident. I also felt being a female in tech made me less confident as well. I didn’t have the confidence to voice my opinions or ideas and I didn’t think anyone would hear them or take them seriously. Now I’m more confident and being part of a network does help.

We’re lucky at Gumtree as we have a diversity and inclusion team and we’re looking at a diversity session for the tech team. We’re doing a few things to try and address these challenges.

EGR Technology: Why do you think the number of females in techie roles is still so low?

CT: Society tells us girls should be a certain way. When I was growing up, technology wasn’t promoted among girls. There’s a few things we can do to help that such as promoting tech in schools. I was taught by someone who didn’t know how to programme. We need to show children that tech is for everybody. It can be fun. Whether you’re a boy or girl, you can choose the career path you want. It could be in technology if you enjoy it.

We’re still a minority so we still need groups and networks out there to help us. We need to encourage each other. Whether it’s a forum on technical growth or talking about issues we face, we still need a forum to help each other out and inspire each other.

EGR Technology: Is there enough being done in education to encourage women into tech?

CT: We definitely need to get involved with the next generation and in inspiring them. Now people are waking up to encouraging science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in schools. Programmes and STEM events will definitely help put the message across. We also need to provide training or internship programmes for women. As a part of Codebar, a lot of women who attend are trying to switch careers or find a way to continue their learning. Also companies should be a part of the conversation and that will help drive more awareness.

EGR Technology: What advice would you give to young women who are considering technology as a career?

CT: Believe in yourself and have confidence. Don’t be afraid to be creative.

I’m reading a book called Dear Female Founder, which is a collection of letters of advice from female entrepreneurs. A lot of them state that being a female is like a secret weapon. It’s what makes you unique. You have a different outlook and approach to things so that’s to your advantage.

And join a support network. It’s a chance to learn and grow yourself. You’re not alone. You don’t have to struggle getting into tech.

There’s a huge demand for tech so it’s a fast growing industry. You get to be a part of new technology and it’s a skill you can take anywhere. I’m an Aussie and I live in London but it made the transition quite easy because I knew there would be a lot of tech roles here. It’s definitely a well sought after skill.