cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Women In Tech Interview with Nikki Foster from Hospitality Management to Corporate Procurement

ZoeSands
Community Manager
Community Manager
Employee

Hello Readers, so my last #LifeAtVeritas interview was with Anita Smillie from the EMEA Services Team, and as part of the International Women's Day celebrations at Veritas I caught up with Nikki Foster, Global Procurement Business Partner – Travel on what it is like working at Veritas and in the tech industry. In this interview, Nikki talks about how she moved from the event hospitality industry to landing her first corporate technology role and how her career has progressed during her time at Symantec and now Veritas. She reveals her highlights, what motivates her and why people should join our diverse Veritas team. Read on to find out more about Nikki and why she is passionate about her work at Veritas.

Nikki FosterNikki FosterZoe: What made you choose a career in IT?
Nikki: My background is in the hospitality and events industry, I previously worked for a Symantec supplier sourcing small and medium meetings and events for 3 years.  An opportunity became available in the Global Travel team at Symantec which I successfully applied for and have now been part of the team for nearly 7 years (4 years at Symantec and 3 years at Veritas).

Zoe: What advice would you give to those trying to secure their first IT role?
Nikki: In any industry, I would say be open to different avenues and opportunities as things change and move fast.  Be visible and have a voice within the industry you want to be in.  There are more and more networking groups available that are free to join, this will help raise your profile, introduce you to new contacts and can potentially open doors to new opportunities.

Zoe: What has been your career highlight to date?
Nikki: In my past, I have been proud of some of the more challenging events I have led with a team. However, more recently I would say it was the opportunity to move into the corporate world which can be difficult to penetrate if you do not have a corporate background. I have also completed The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply certification (MCIPS), which is an industry recognised procurement qualification.

Zoe: What do you enjoy most about your role at Veritas?
Nikki: Working with my colleagues and leaders, as we have a strong and supportive team environment, every day is different, and we need to adapt quickly. My role is ever-changing, and this gives me the opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience.

Zoe: Who are your role models and influencers?
Nikki: My Manager is highly respected in the business travel environment as well as past colleagues which have given me great insight and has enabled me to develop my own network and also encourage me to become part of speaking panels etc which is often out of my comfort zone.  Within business travel there are many disruptors and influencers, I learn continuously from my peers in the same or other industries.

Zoe: What motivates you?
Nikki: Delivering a successful project motivates me personally, I am very focussed on detail and enjoy delivering good results. 

Nikki Foster (left) on holiday with her husband and familyNikki Foster (left) on holiday with her husband and familyZoe: How do you define success?
Nikki: Success to me is an achievement in the goals you have set for yourself or that have been set for you but also ensuring that you do not forget there is life outside of work.

Zoe: Why should people choose to work at Veritas?
Nikki: The people! Plus, change is a constant and with change can be new opportunities and to develop new skills or even a new role.

Zoe: What’s your favourite Veritas solution? Or product?
Nikki: As I am part of the procurement team and deal with external vendor contracts, GDPR compliance and data management is a critical element of the vendor contracting and selection process. While I am not directly involved in the product I would say Veritas Information Governance solutions is my favourite as the this allows our customers to navigate the world of data and locate that information needed for subject access requests.

Zoe: Describe Veritas in one word?
Nikki: Colourful!

Zoe: Finally, what technology can’t you live without?
Nikki: It is my phone sadly! Not even so much for the social media aspect more for daily life such as banking, calendars and at my age - lists!

So, that wraps up my interview with Nikki Foster, it was great catching up with her. What stood out most from Nikki's interview was how she has thrived in a changing environment, delivering successful projects and she continuously strives to learn and develop her skill set.

Did you enjoy this #LifeAtVeritas blog with Nikki Foster's post? I love doing these #LifeAtVeritas interviews, as it provides an insight into what it’s like working at Veritas and I uncover various hidden talents our staff have. Stay tuned as there will be more interview style posts published shortly. If Nikki'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.