I work in Group Technology in a non-technical role, working on Diversity and Inclusion projects such as Neurodiversity in the workplace, Women in Tech, and LIFT as we Climb. This is a 12 month placement via a Customer Service Group programme called Personal Pathways, and I am hoping it will become a permanent role at the end of the 12 months.

Although my job in CSG was fulfilling, I knew I had untapped potential to develop further within Sky. When the Personal Pathways programme became available, I knew this was an opportunity I could not pass on.

The year in Tech will give me a wealth of experience. Understanding how another part of the business works, networking, and improving current skills while developing many more.

Working on various Tech D&I initiatives helps me engage with many stakeholders across the business, as well as understand how that ladders up to the wider Group Tech People Strategy. Not all roles in Tech are “techie”.

I ran a series of events which ran during the Neurodiversity week. We raised awareness and celebrated Neurodiversity within SKY with infographics, workshops, and events.

A high point was creating a collaboration between Technology and Customer Service Group. Pairing software developers with neurodiverse contact centre agents to observe how the systems, platforms and apps built by the software developers for CSG could be adapted and improved for agents with Dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, etc.

This was very successful and has left an open conversation between software developers who design the systems, and the agents that use them every day to collaborate on future projects.

I enjoy getting up and going to work every day. I feel I make a difference, and people’s lives are changing for the better because of the work I am doing. Having the support along with Sky’s forward thinking, allows me to thrive and progress. What’s not to be excited about?

Coming from a CSG role into a Tech role was made very easy. From the welcoming and supportive response to the acceptance from my new colleagues. I trust the team I work with, which allows me to naturally grow, learn and ask for support when needed.

My manager always pushes me, but not too far that I struggle. I am very fortunate to have a great line manager and team around me. My working location allows a great work life balance, with hybrid giving me the best of both worlds.