Penny Gawera
Embedded Software Engineer
Sunday, 27 August 2023
Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Penny - I’m a pharma consultant turned software engineer, woman in tech & proud brown girl! I specialise in developing embedded software systems for MedTech & Wireless applications. I’m also passionate about DEI within the tech industry, hoping to help make the tech space a more equal and diverse place to be.
Whats your background?
Having completed a BSc in Biochemistry, I’m a scientist at heart! After graduating, I spent the first few years of my career working within the medical communications industry as a consultant, providing big pharma clients with strategic sales & marketing solutions. However, I love a challenge and I’ve always been a techie, so alongside my work in pharma, I decided to undertake an MSc in Computer Science. Upon completing my MSc, I made the transition in to tech, and I’m now a software engineer specialised in developing embedded software systems within the MedTech & Wireless industries.
Whats your current role?
I’m currently an embedded software engineer working within the wireless technologies industry. I work on Bluetooth modules for IOT and audio applications, so essentially my day-to-day involves a lot of embedded C work. I also like to get involved with networking, meeting other like minded women within the tech industry and encourage other women to join the tech workforce as part of my commitment to improving DEI within the tech industry.
Why have you decided to learn to code?
The long and the short of it is that coding is the future! There is so much demand for programmers, and having a science background I could see the useful applications of coding within the life sciences sector which I found interesting. I’m also a logical thinker; I loved solving maths problems at school, so coding seemed like a great way for me to apply those skills. I’m also someone that needs a lot of variety in their work, so the fact that programmers are required in pretty much every sector, whether that’s life sciences, wireless, sustainability or even robotics, there’s always something new and exciting to work on!
Do you think its important to learn to code?
In one word, YES! Coding has so many applications in the real world, for example, you have the standard apps, webpages and digital interfaces that most people would associate with coding, however, there is a programmer behind most household electronic items too. Take your coffee machine, robot hoover or smart fridge - all of these require software development at a lower level which is known as embedded software. With the rise of IOT and smart devices, there is even more of a need for embedded software engineers. There’s a massive skills shortage in the software engineering space so I would encourage anyone and everyone to learn to code.
Do you feel the tech industry is male dominated? How can we encourage more women into the industry?
The stats don’t lie - women only make up ~26% of the tech workforce, and this number is declining as women are deciding to leave the industry. Women are under-represented as the tech industry is extremely male dominated, and this is a problem that needs to be addressed. To truly make change we need to start at the beginning, encouraging young girls to study STEM/computing subjects at school, showing them the career paths they can take and the real world impact they can have by studying these subjects. It’s also key to highlight that it’s never too late to get in to tech. There are several routes, whether that’s applying for an apprenticeship, going back to university or joining a bootcamp. Career switchers are extremely valuable, so if you have an interest in tech, pursue it!
Did you struggle being a woman in the tech industry yourself?
I can’t lie, being a woman within the tech industry is hard! There are additional challenges we face such as gender bias, lack of progression & pay parity, limited role models and toxic company culture. I’ve definitely experienced my fair share of these barriers. I’m hoping that things start to change, and that as an industry we begin to address these issues to create a more inclusive and equal workplace environment. This would definitely help to attract and retain female talent.
Whats the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your tech career so far?
The most challenging part of my tech career was actually making the switch in to tech. Coming from a non-tech background and having to prove myself within the industry was tough. As a career switcher, there are always going to be people that doubt you. It required a lot of hard work and hustling, however, I learnt a lot from that experience. The most rewarding part would have to be coming out the other end and establishing myself within the tech industry as a software engineer. I’m now able to give back to the community and hopefully help encourage other women to pursue a career in tech which is extremely fulfilling.