Welcome to our Women in Tech series, a sequence of articles that aim to highlight the wonderful work done by the women involved in the technology behind LetsGetChecked.
This week, we spoke with Qian Zhang, our Product Manager. Technology has been a passion of Qian’s from a very young age. After making the decision to move to Ireland over 10 years ago to pursue a degree in computer science, she has gained an array of experience in the health and technology industry.
When did you join LetsGetChecked?
I joined LetsGetChecked in September 2019.
What is your role in LetsGetChecked?
My current role is Product Manager.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your role.
I’m from China originally and I came to Ireland around 13 years ago to study computer science as Ireland is one of the leading countries in the world in the I.T field!
I started my career as a software developer a number of years ago, I then moved into the domain of product management. I really enjoyed that part of the technology.
I joined LetsGetChecked just over a year ago as a product manager. I'm currently managing a product that is the internal central platform used by LetsGetChecked employees such as customer support, nurses, marketing, quality, dispatch, etc.
What motivated you to pursue a career in technology?
I think that when I was very young I found my interest in technology and in science. I was always good at mathematics and physics - logical thinking is the way I think! I picked I.T when I entered college because I.T was back then, and still is now, a booming and amazing industry.
What I like is that you don't need to go outside or do anything out of the ordinary, you can just sit in front of your computer and use your fingertip to build something magical - I find that very fascinating.
Why did you decide to join LetsGetChecked as opposed to any other organization?
Before I joined LetsGetChecked I was with another company working with I.T for hospital software so I was in the healthcare domain already. I really like this domain as we're utilizing technology and doing something really great and meaningful. So, that's one of the main reasons!
Another reason is, I saw the potential in the company. It was a fast-growing company and it's a fast-growing domain and I always like a change and a challenge. I think change means opportunities and a challenge makes me feel motivated.
What advice would you give a woman interested in pursuing a career in technology? Anything you wish you had known?
I think to begin with, it’s really important that you love what you do. You need to love technology and really embrace the product you build and think about the impact that these products have on the customer.
Also, in this technology domain, you do need to keep learning, keep up with the latest trends, technology, new developments, and methodology. You don't have to be an expert in all fields, you don't have to be knowledgeable in everything, but you do need to prepare yourself and constantly learn and improve your knowledge and skills.
I think in terms of doing well in technology as a woman - there's really no difference between a male engineer or a female engineer!
Is there any particular female leader that you look up to or take inspiration from?
My inspiration came from my first female manager in my last job. She was always very enthusiastic, she looked at things from the business point of view but she also looked after the team. She had no fear to speak out and she was constantly learning. I think she's one of the best leaders I've ever seen and she was a great motivator!
What does the future hold for women in technology?
I think that there will be no gender bias. Everyone should be able to do and try things they like regardless of their gender and, diversity of all kinds should be one of the key factors for organizations and industries to succeed in the long run.
