Celebrating International Women’s Day
zefa is proud to champion International Women’s Day/ Week 2023 and promote the on-going growth in diversity across the Technology and Recruitment sectors. We ask Lidia Brody, DevOps Consultant at zefa, a few questions on her experience in working in Technology and what advice she has for women entering the workforce today.
Where did you start your career?
I started my career in freelance marketing and got my first contract with a healthcare facility near my hometown during the first lockdown, I reached out to them out of boredom as I felt a need to be doing something productive with my time. Having just finished my masters, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself and getting a job was difficult at this time. So, I decided to do something I enjoy – social media!
What attracted you to this sector?
I knew I wanted something more secure than freelancing and I always knew that I’d enter a sector working with people. I enjoyed the networking element of my marketing roles. So, when I came across an Ad on LinkedIn for a recruitment consultant at NP group I decided to apply since I already had many of the skills necessary for the role.
What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
The best advice I received was from a friend of a friend, he told me to never stop learning. I now read a new book once a month and I love self-development books or anything I can use to develop a new skill, such as podcasts. (I highly recommend a book called ‘never split the difference, negotiating as if your life depends on it’ by Chris Voss).
Are their challenges or opportunities in working in a male dominated, or what’s perceived to be a male dominated sector?
I’ve personally found that my experience at zefa and the wider NP group has come with more opportunities than challenges, I feel I’ve been rather lucky in that aspect as I know there are many women who aren’t quite as lucky in the workplace. Women are still facing issues around sexual harassment, lack of opportunity to progress as quickly as their male counterpart and, unconscious bias around family leave. I am thankful to be a part of a company that prioritises equality.
Yes, my boss Andrew has been the biggest support since I entered recruitment. He doesn’t just provide the tools and support I need to progress, but also the feedback and constructive support I need when I am unsure. I trust him a lot since he’s been down the same path I’m currently on, and seeing where he is in his career gives me a lot of hope for my future and career in recruitment.
How important is Diversity and Inclusion to zefa?
I have noticed since joining how serious zefa and the wider NP group takes inclusion. Cultural and religious holidays are always recognised and there is a clear policy on equal pay for everyone. It’s refreshing to see a company so aware of bias and always willing to resolve any issues that may arise.
On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers or is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to pass on the same message that helped me… NEVER stop learning. The most important thing you can do is always be willing to learn something new.
Please contact Lidia if you are looking for new talent or if you are looking for a new challenge – [email protected]
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