Digital Her | » Catherine Wilks

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I'm a technology consultant who helps clients get the best from their data.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU USE MOST IN YOUR JOB?

Organisational skills - I have a lot to do so need to ensure I'm organised and can juggle priorities
People skills - I work with clients and in teams and sometimes have to deliver difficult messages
Leadership - I lead a team and need to get the best from people
Varied thinking - I need to think strategically as well as be 'in the detail' to solve issues
Storytelling - Being good at data is all about how you tell the story to the audience

WHAT'S THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU'VE WORKED ON IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I've worked on lots of interesting projects in my time. One of the most interesting was travelling to Russia and Ukraine to implement a data quality solution for an insurer. Another interesting project was the forensic analysis of hospital waiting list statistics, to see if they had been manipulated.

WHAT'S YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?

I have a Masters and PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics. Now I keep my professional skills up to date through online learning, attending conferences and working on projects in areas that are new to me.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO DIGITAL & TECH?

I enjoyed science and maths at school but found that academia was too 'in the detail' for me. I found that a career as a data consultant enabled me to use both my people and numerate skills, and I enjoy the fact that the analysis I do makes a difference to people's lives.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO GIRLS THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN DIGITAL AND TECH?

You don't need to be really techie to succeed in a tech career; it's a great career for a woman.