Mums in Tech ft. Tatjana Huppertz
As part of our ‘Mums in Tech’ series, we caught up with Tatjana Huppertz, Tech Support Specialist at LiveMore Mortgages.
The purpose of our 'MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech & data, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech & data teams for women.
Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?
Hi, I am Tatjana. Mother of 2 and career switcher.
I am a Tech Support Specialist training to become a Fullstack Developer. I currently assist internal employees in the business with any technical issues they have, while slowly getting into the code and investigating bottlenecks in our processes and how to automate them for efficiency.
If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?
As a working mum in tech, I juggle problem-solving at work and at home, proving that multitasking and adaptability are superpowers.
“Since working again I honestly am more conscious of how I spend my time outside of work.”
How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?
I regularly make time to see my friends and have a good laugh. I have long baths when I need to unwind and relax.
When I am frustrated, I let it out in my local karate dojo.
Since working again I honestly am more conscious of how I spend my time outside of work.
What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?
For me personally it was the confidence to make the move into another field.
I was worried I was not clever or skilled enough to pull it off, especially in tech.
I was worried my career gap due to raising my children would be judged negatively.
At some point I just sent out applications to bootcamps and landed a scholarship for the web development program with Turing College.
When I came to the end of the program, I got hired while not even completely finished with the program, which was incredible.
“I was worried my career gap due to raising my children would be judged negatively.”
What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?
Creative problem solving
Time management
Patience
Empathy
Multitasking
Getting shit done
When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?
I attended a “Return to work” bootcamp with ivee and it was honestly incredible to see, that I was not alone worrying about all the things I worried about.
It was very reassuring for me to meet all the very intelligent, and previously very successful women, struggling with their confidence returning to work. It was a relief for me to know that this was normal.
Please know, it is normal. Just go for it! I wish I had not waited that long, but in the end it was a necessary process for me to go through self doubt and anxiety and come out the other end.
“I admire you. You are warriors, showing your daughters and sons that you can be a good mom and a provider.”
What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?
Flexibility and trust.
When my kids come into my office during a meeting, everyone is understanding.
No one questions me when I have to do the school run or judges me.
Everyone understands that life with children can be a bit unpredictable at times.
Trust that I am hardworking and able to deliver results.
Trust that I bring valuable experience to the table.
Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?
I admire you.
You are warriors, showing your daughters and sons that you can be a good mom and a provider.
You are the change we need to see ❤️
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