What women in the Mastering SAP community would advise to start a career in tech

⇨ Women are still underrepresented in tech, and few take STEM classes in year 12

⇨ Top recommendations include finding the right role, building networks and prioritising work-life balance

⇨ Continuous learning and skill development are favourites

A career in technology presents a variety of challenges for anyone fresh in the workforce, and particularly for women, who have been consistently underrepresented in the industry. 

According to the 2023 edition of the Australian Department of Industry’s STEM Equity Monitor, only 15 percent of STEM-qualified jobs are held by women, and the pipeline of talent isn’t any better as it found that girls only make up about a quarter of enrolments in year 12 information technology, physics and engineering classes. 

The industry has been stepping up to help improve representation in the workforce, with initiatives from corporate, academia, vendors and the community. 

There are opportunities across the industry to skill up and train, including us here at Mastering SAP! We’ve thrown our hat into the ring, launching the Women in SAP Scholarship program earlier this month. Aimed to women new to the SAP world, the scholarship will have two intakes of 20 students per year to provide participants a learning and networking opportunity to kick-start their SAP career. 

As part of International Women’s Day, we spoke to women from across the Mastering SAP community to ask them what advice they would give to other women wanting to get into similar careers or roles. 

Find a role that works best for you 

“Find what gives you joy at work and seek a career within that,” Origin Energy’s Helene Young said. “For me, I started as an administrator and found that I liked Excel because I have an analytical mind. That led me to a reporting job where I was able to implement a new reporting system. And I found that I really enjoyed this even more than Excel as I got to use my analytical mind, but I also got to help improve a process and I found that I really understood systems. I then took any opportunity to follow this path.” 

“Follow your [path], don’t be afraid to seek what gives you joy at work.” 

Affinity Education Group chief people officer Linda Carroll advised to not let fear of failure stand in the way of your career hopes and dreams. 

“Align your values to those of the organisation you choose to ensure a good fit,” she said. “Work hard, remain focused on your goals, stay curious and ensure that you continue to learn and develop both professionally and personally.” 

“Back yourself and sell your strengths! Be ready to take chances and do things that make you uncomfortable and seize every opportunity that is put in front of you,” SAP ANZ Head of Sales SAP BTP Nicole Seselj said. 

Build your network 

“There is nothing that comes close to working with a team of smart, passionate and caring people. My advice is to seek that out with a fierce determination as you start in your career, create the opportunities that take you into their orbit and then find ways to make them stick with you and vice versa as you move through your career,” SAP Australia and New Zealand president and managing director Angela Colantuono said. 

“This applies not only to the organisation you are working in at the time, but it’s also the scaffold of good people that you form relationships with across your working life.” 

“Surround yourself with colleagues who can advocate for you about what you bring to your organisation and its clients and who you can also learn from,” Accenture Director of Design for Enterprise (on SAP) Lenaig Musson said. 

SAP ANZ Marketing lead Ellie Dee encouraged leveraging SAP’s extensive network, connecting with more experienced people and asking for help when one is stuck. “There’s always someone who is willing to help,” she said. 

Accenture SAP BG Practice lead Orah Peri added that networking plays a crucial role in navigating and thriving within the SAP ecosystem. 

“Engage with the SAP community through forums, LinkedIn groups, webinars, and conferences,” Peri said. “These platforms are not just for learning; they’re also invaluable for connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders who can provide guidance, insights, and opportunities.” 

Invest in continuous learning and skill development 

“There is always something that needs to be learnt, therefore keep searching for knowledge and acknowledge not knowing everything,” Toyota Motor Corporation’s Rukshana Sameem said. 

“Confidence is key to a woman in my role and that confidence can be attained only when we go in search of the unknown.” 

Accenture’s Orah Peri gave advice specific to the SAP ecosystem, saying that continuous learning should be embraced with open arms. 

“The SAP landscape is dynamic, with new technologies, methodologies, and best practices emerging regularly,” Peri said. “Invest time in understanding the core SAP modules, as well as emerging technologies like SAP S/4HANA, cloud solutions, and integrated business planning. Certifications and courses can be invaluable in building a strong foundation and demonstrating your commitment and expertise.” 

Accenture Business Transformation managing director Accenture Caroline Vallerie added the last few years have been “exciting” with innovations in public cloud, data and AI. “Customers need support to understand the latest solutions and innovations and be advised on what in it for them and best for their business,” she said. “We need a diverse workforce to talk to our customers and collaborate with our partners.” 

CITIC Pacific Mining’s Lauren Walsh meanwhile emphasised that one doesn’t have to studied what they do to be successful in an area. “Highlight transferable skills to demonstrate your ability to contribute,” she said. 

SAP ANZ general manager of private industries Mandy Osnabrugge shared that she is pursuing a master’s degree in Professional Practice Leading Sales Transformation even after 23 years of industry experience. 

“Stay curious and continuously learning no matter what your age or current stage of your career path is,” she said. “You can never be too old to learn.” 

Be open to opportunities outside your comfort zone 

“Be flexible and say yes to opportunities outside your comfort zone,” CITIC Pacific Mining superintendent of learning systems Lauren Walsh said. “I went to a Mastering SAP event in 2022 and the next year I ended up presenting. It never crossed my mind that that was even a possibility.” 

Rizing SAP architect Ava Shabani said one should be proactive in seeking out opportunities to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate your capabilities. “Volunteer for challenging projects, take on leadership roles, and showcase your problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking.” 

LRV8 Group people systems and insights lead Jelvie Grech meanwhile encourages opportunities even if they are outside the industry one is working in or studying for. “That is how you discover what you enjoy,” she said.  

SAP ANZ managing director Angela Colantuono added, “Don’t be shy about taking up the opportunities that present themselves to you. You might not think you are the perfect fit but say yes to the new experience and trust in your innate ability to learn. Be Bolder.” 

Prioritise work-life balance 

Rizing SAP architect Ava Shabani advised prioritising work-life balance and self-care. “Balancing career ambitions with personal well-being is essential for long-term success and fulfillment,” she said. “Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues who uplift and empower you.” 

SAP’s Nicole Seselj added, “Set precedent to make sure you have guard-rails around your time and what you commit to – you can’t be everything to everyone at all times.” 

Believe in yourself and your capabilities 

Supply Chain and Technology consultant Kendall Nicholas said, “Aim big and do not let anyone tell you, you can’t!” 

“Believe in your unique perspective as a woman in tech,” Accenture Business Architecture associate manager Lara Doherty said. “Your work in tech not only shapes careers but also influences the fabric of workplace equality for years to come.” 

Rizing APAC Head of Managed Services Monalisa Dhall said, “Stay determined, do whatever it takes to convert your dream into reality. Remember, if you manifest, the universe with come together for you. And when your dream does come true, don’t forget to create the snowball effect.” 

Basis Cloud Solutions Chief Strategic Officer Priyadarshini Arakkal added, “You are way stronger than you think. Do not compromise because of your gender. Stand up and speak with utmost humility. Be empathetic and an encourager in this world.” 

Accenture’s Orah Peri values believing in one’s own unique value and voice. “Diversity in thought, perspective, and experience is crucial in technology and business process optimisation. Your unique background and approach are assets that can drive innovation and efficiency in SAP projects,” she said. 

“Be confident in your abilities, and don’t shy away from expressing your ideas and taking on leadership roles.” 

“Remember, your journey into SAP can be as unique as you are. There’s no one-size-fits-all path, so be open to exploring different areas within SAP to find what truly resonates with your interests and strengths.”