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An Interview with Michelle Dyos on International Women’s Day #BalanceForBetter

ZoeSands
Community Manager
Community Manager
Employee

As part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) #BalanceForBetter campaign and celebrating Women In Tech, I am interviewing various women from Veritas about their careers. In this first IWD Interview, I caught up with Michelle Dyos, EMEA Channel Operations & Programmes Director at Veritas on what it is like working at Veritas and in the tech industry. In this interview, Michelle talks about #BalanceForBetter represents gender equality in the workplace both in equal representation of women and men especially at a leadership level and for equality in pay for doing the same job. She reveals her highlights and roles models and why people should join our diverse Veritas team. Read on to find out more about Michelle and why she is passionate about her work and why she can’t imagine working in any other industry.

Meet Michelle DyosMeet Michelle DyosZoe: What does the International Women’s Day slogan #BalanceForBetter mean for you in your work life? And why is this significant?
Michelle: #BalanceForBetter represents gender equality in the workplace both in equal representation of women and men especially at a leadership level and for equality in pay for doing the same job. It’s important that we are continually treated equally both personally and professionally, there should be no differentiation. 

Zoe: The IT industry is a male-dominated arena. What made you choose a career in IT?
Michelle: My career actually started in Graphic Design through which I gained exposure to various IT environments and companies which were not made available to me through my academic years. An opportunity to join an IT Start-Up was given to me when I was 21 in which I was given the opportunity to experience and learn about Sales, Marketing, Pre-Sales and Operations in a company growing at an accelerated pace and I have never looked back. I couldn’t imagine working in any other industry now. 

Zoe: What advice would you give to those trying to secure their first IT role?
Michelle: First and foremost, you don’t have to have studied IT, Maths, Science, engineering etc – there are so many avenues in the world of IT that you can apply your skills to. An openness to change and a willingness to always learn and explore is the mindset to have and grab every opportunity that is presented to you. I think sometimes people create a barrier of self-doubt because we need to do a better job of explaining the roles available and the skills required to help people realise they are more than capable to do the job.

Zoe: Why do you think there aren’t more women working in IT?
Michelle: School, Colleges and Universities need to promote and share how strengths and skills can be applied to roles within IT. Equally, IT Companies should work collaboratively to encourage up and coming talent to consider careers available across IT. Over the years the industry has become much more inclusive and flexible which needs to be amplified to attract more women to join and be the difference we need in a rapidly changing industry.  

Zoe: What has been your career highlight to date?
Michelle: Having worked in IT specifically Channel for over 17 years there are many highlights so it’s difficult to call out one but top of mind would be, building award-winning partner programmes for several IT Vendors and becoming a Director by the age of 35.

Michell Dyos (centre) and her teamMichell Dyos (centre) and her teamZoe: What do you enjoy most about your role at Veritas?
Michelle: No two days are ever the same, working in IT especially Channel Operations the diversity is what I love most. There is a vast array of operational processes, programmes and day to day activities that consistently provide challenges and opportunities to make a positive difference to our customer experiences across our channel community. I am also fortunate to have an amazing team which make it fun and productive.  

Zoe: Who are your role models and influencers?
Michelle: I am fortunate to have worked with many influential women and men such as Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, Dan Veitkus, Melinda Watson, Heidi Castagna to name a few who have mentored me directly and I have observed from afar who have inspired and influenced my career choices and provided invaluable advice and mentorship. Much broader influencers and role models include Cheryl Sandberg, Karren Brady and Oprah Winfrey who have achieved tremendous amounts both professionally and personally.

Zoe: Why should people choose to work at Veritas?
Michelle: People first and foremost, the teams here are some of the best people I have had the pleasure of working with. Coupled with the diversity each day brings in a transformational IT environment creates a platform which will always provide an opportunity to learn and grow.

So, that wraps up my interview with Michelle Dyos, it was great catching up with her. I particularly like what Michelle highlighted about gender equality “it’s important that we are continually treated equally both personally and professionally, there should be no differentiation.” in the workplace. And her advice on you don’t have to have studied IT, Maths, Science, engineering to work in IT, there are so many opportunities where you can apply your skills to, is spot on. And it is important to have the right mindset; be open to change and have a willingness to learn will set you in good stead for your career in IT.

Do stay tuned as there will be more Women In Tech interview style posts published shortly. If Michelle's experience has inspired you and you’re interested in joining our team, then check out our latest job vacancies and apply today. There are plenty of opportunities at Veritas! Why not join our growing team?

Follow the conversation about #LifeAtVeritas on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.