23rd June 2021

Women in Engineering: Katie’s Career

A woman smiling with a high vis jacket on

For Women in Engineering day, Katie Pontin looks back at her career and offers her advice to women aspiring for a career in tech.

Technical specialist Katie Pontin is now a six-year Vodafone veteran.

“I’ve always had a passion for technology, but I didn’t have a clear idea of which career path to follow,” she says.

“So I joined the technology graduate programme at Vodafone. They’re always at the forefront of innovation and technology. But from the outside, you’re not aware of all the individual roles available.”

After spending time in retail, corporate security and operations, Katie soon found her calling in the networks team.

“Working with new technologies, getting my hands on those at the forefront of innovation, and meeting customers’ demands, takes problem solving and creativity. It’s enjoyable to work through all that and reach the end goal,” she says.

"Getting hands-on experience, even if you do something wrong, that’s the best way to learn. No question is a stupid question. I’ve been really lucky to have that support to try new things and not have a fear of failure."

On International Women in Engineering Day, Katie’s advice to young girls and women considering a tech career is simple: “Don’t be afraid to get involved! The roles within engineering and technology are broad, so explore the options and don’t feel like you’re expected to know everything from day one.”

Read more about Katie's story and pursue a career in technology today