Making my mark in a man's world

In a tech world dominated by males, software industry accountant Samantha Brennand has risen to the challenge of all too often being the only young female in the room

WHEN Samantha Brennand made the leap from working for a small, Yorkshire-based accountancy firm with little hope of advancement into the tech industry, her world suddenly changed.

It didn’t take her long to make her mark in this male-dominated field, where she’s been chosen to present on stage at major industry events attended by more than 10,000 people.

She now travels extensively, to countries including the US, Australia, Europe, Hong Kong and Dubai, in her dynamic role as a solution engineer at an American software development company.

“My biggest challenge is being a young female in a room full of males. The tech industry is dominated by males, so sometimes I use my qualifications, experience and confidence to ensure I am listened to.

“Networking is my real passion, and I love getting great feedback from customers,” she says. “It is a great role for me as an extrovert, who loves to talk to customers all day, but also a mathematical problem solver.

“The way the world is changing and technology is booming has really kept me inspired in the roles I have had. Even now with artificial intelligence becoming huge, it's forever changing, and I love learning new things all the time.”

She would urge other females to join the industry: “STEM needs more females to create a more balanced workplace. It is an excellent industry that is forever changing, so if you’re interested, focus on things in the news that are changing within it, like artificial intelligence and data security and do some extra learning around it. And look for a company that matches your morals and cultures.”

She says the most important lesson she learnt at RGS, to work hard and use your full potential, has served her well.

“The work ethic that RGS instils is incredible compared to other schools. This even broadens out to always being professional, in internal meetings, with close colleagues, all the way up to board level - it really helps your ‘brand’ in an industry.

“Then using your full potential is second - never ever settle with what you do, always get to 100 per cent and overachieve. I see a lot of other people who are happy coasting with the bare minimum, which would never have been acceptable at RGS.”

She was inspired by her whole year group, she says: “When everyone is excelling you wanted to be a part of that and try even harder. We all celebrated with each other. It was not funny to be the class clown or fail, our year group really knew that education was important, and it helped keep me working hard.”

Her first job was, she says, pretty stagnant in terms of progression, while she ‘waited for people to retire’, her new job offers boundless opportunities.

“I am so happy I made the choice to go into the tech industry, and I am still here 11 years later.”

Having started in support, helping accountants who are using her company’s software system through any issues they are having, she soon moved into a consulting role which involved training accountants and designing software.

She now works as a principal solution engineer, consulting with businesses to understand their problems and goals and providing software solutions to help the business be successful: “I enjoy talking to new people every day,” she says.

When she’s not problem-solving, she is often busy showcasing her company’s product: “There are lots of presentations, discussions and conferences.

“I still utilise my qualifications & speak to chief financial officers daily, however I am so happy I made the move into the tech industry while it was growing so much."

Q: What do you wish you’d known when you were at RGS?

A: Don't search for a career that historically made people successful. Focus on things that inspire you and which you excel at. I thought I would qualify as an accountant and be an accountant or chief financial officer for the rest of my life. There are careers out there you don't hear of at school!

Q: Who was your favourite teacher and why?

A: Can I have two? Mr Clark who was an RE teacher but loved football, he set up the girls’ football team and really inspired me to do what I loved. He helped me through problems and getting me out onto the pitch helped me focus in the classroom.

Dr Grime - during school I wasn't his biggest fan as he was strict, but looking back he was the best at holding people accountable, ensuring expectations were met and all round at helping me excel at chemistry.

Q: What extracurricular activities were you involved in while at RGS, both in and out of school, and how valuable were they?

A: All sports – I played for RGS girls’ football right through to representing Yorkshire age 16-18.

Q: Who or what inspired you when you were at school?

A: My mum - she has three children and worked full time in quite a senior role. However, she was always present at every show, match and pick-up when needed. I always thought I wanted my children to see the same in me one day.

Q: What would you say has been your greatest success?

A: My two children come first, then where I am in my career without having to sacrifice. I knew I wanted to stay in Yorkshire, have children and not work full-time but also use my brain and have a senior role. I think what makes me feel successful is knowing I have not sacrificed what I prioritised.

Q: What are your hopes for the future?

A: To keep growing and enjoying what I do. I would love to run a global team eventually.

*What do you miss most about Ripon?

If anything, it's the friends and the year group altogether, who were great.