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Take a Chance on Yourself
By Teri, Infrastructure Operations Engineer
When a friend of mine encouraged me to apply to Echo as a Level One Service Desk Technician, I wasn’t sure it was the right fit. As a physics major, I felt I didn’t have many of the qualifications necessary for this type of role. Looking back, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. Less than three years after interviewing for and landing that Level One Service Desk position, I’ve been promoted to my current position as an Infrastructure Operations Engineer.
While working in tech was an unexpected departure from my academic studies, I have always loved learning and pushing myself to develop new skillsets. My managers and colleagues at Echo support my thirst for learning, like when they encouraged me to get my ITIL certification. Echo paid for it, which is huge. I’ve also participated in training programs and shadowed other teams to gain insights about the company.
Echo has proven to be an excellent environment to absorb new techniques and information. The more I learn, the more I receive opportunities to grow. I make it a point to pass on new knowledge to someone else who might find it useful.
I love the inclusive environment at Echo. My personal experience as a woman in tech has been overwhelmingly positive. One of the initiatives we have, Women in Technology, is designed to network and empower women in tech. I would not be where I am now without these types of employee organizations, and I appreciate Echo’s overwhelming support of them. I am also a full-time working mother, and Echo provides a work-life balance that allows me to be with my family when necessary.
It’s hard to believe that less than three years ago, I hadn’t even thought about a job in tech, and now, I couldn’t be happier in all aspects of my career. For me, the risk was well worth the reward. I believe that the more someone takes a chance on herself, the more opportunities there are for something amazing to happen.