Kate Margis

Job:

Senior Project Manager

Company:

Degree 53

I manage the delivery of a range of different web, native app and design projects from the point of sale, right through to completion when the product gets released. I work with teams made up of developers, designers, testers and business analysts, helping them to stay on track with the project and making sure that they know what they need to do and when. I report on project progress, manage any risks or issues that may affect the project and keep the client constantly updated with our progress.

I am...

Attentive

Driven

Open-minded

The skills I use most in my job...

Communication - this is key for a project's success! It's important to keep everyone in the loop with what's going on.

Initiative - being able to make sensible decisions is important for a project's efficiency.

Organisation - prioritising, making lists, being one step ahead.... a very important skill to have!

Appreciation - keeping project teams motivated by really appreciating when they are working super hard!

Innovation - thinking of ways we can improve how we do things and how we can be better at what we do!

The most interesting thing I've worked on in my career so far...

The current project I'm working on as it's right up my street! A health and wellbeing app designed to promote good habits and encourage learning around leading a healthy lifestyle. Along with a library of interesting content in the form of videos and articles, the app also allows the user to track their mood, steps, water intake and sleep. The user has access to a range of support channels if they feel like they need to talk to someone. It's a great product which I'm proud to be a part of!

What inspired me into digital and tech...

I felt like there wasn't enough change and advancement in the yacht industry and I wanted to be involved in something which is constantly evolving and something which is more current and relevant to today's world. Digital is exactly that. I learn new things on a daily basis and I get to work with some really clever and interesting people. I understand how websites and apps work and I can appreciate the hard graft and dedication that goes into creating them, right from the moment an idea gets bounced around a meeting room. Working in an agency means that I get to explore different industries too, becoming a little expert in that particular field for a short period of time - it's very cool!

My educational background is...

I chose to study languages at college and university, specialising in French and Spanish. I thought I wanted to get into teaching eventually, but after exploring this avenue for a little while I realised it wasn't for me. I decided project management was something I wanted to delve into and I started working at a super yacht outfitters. It was here that I developed a lot of the key skills that a project manager needs. I also had a lot of fun working here but I eventually grew tired of the industry and decided that tech was perhaps better suited to me so left in search of digital pastures new!

What advice I'd give to girls thinking about a career in digital and tech...

There are so many different avenues to explore in the tech industry dependent on what you enjoy doing. It's the perfect way to encourage and grow your creativity, get involved with advances in technology and hang out with super interesting people all day!