#WomenWithTech: Amparo Romero, from a curious child to a Cyber Security expert

Amparo, consultant at Govertis, part of Telefónica Tech, and expert in GRC and Cyber Security talks about her career, specialization and how she balances her career with her personal life.

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Tell us a bit about yourself: who are you and what do you do?

I am Amparo, GRC consultant at Govertis, part of Telefónica Tech, and head of the National Security Scheme (ENS) Competency Center.

We specialize in supporting our customers in the field of cyber security, providing them with advice on implementing and manage projects following the established normative and regulatory frameworks, with the aim of reducing technological risks and ensuring proper governance.

What is your specialization and how did you end up doing what you do now?

I studied telecommunications engineering and when I finished my degree, I dedicated myself to research for a while thanks to a scholarship.

A few months before the end of the scholarship I felt the need to change direction and specialize in cyber security.

Was it clear to you from an early age that you wanted to dedicate yourself to the world of technology? Was it something vocational?

Since I was a child, it was clear to me that I wanted to dedicate myself to the world of technology. I loved cell phones, I was very curious to know how they worked, how it was possible that we could communicate without a cable and how SMS messages traveled...

One day, I was listening to the radio together with my father and they were talking about telecommunications engineers, the professional opportunities they had and the great demand for professionals that were going to be needed in the future. At that moment, it was clear to me that I wanted to be an engineer.

In Amparo's opinion, those who prepare themselves are better able to recognize opportunities when they appear.

What or who motivated you to choose a technology-related profession?

I was motivated by my interest in mobile communications and my parents' advice. In the end, they are looking for the best for their children and they knew that these studies provided you with a future and a career path.

How would you describe your career path so far and what are the skills you use at Telefónica Tech?

My career path so far has been a journey of continuous learning and evolution in different roles and areas. I have had the opportunity to work on challenging projects, where I have been able to develop and hone both my technical and leadership skills.

My professional journey so far has been about continuous learning and evolution in different roles and areas.

Over the course of my career, I have learned to adapt quickly to new environments, to become better at problem solving and to manage multidisciplinary teams. This has allowed me to grow in my ability to make strategic decisions and work under pressure in very dynamic and competitive environments.

How do you balance your position of high responsibility with your personal life?

With proper organization. I try to manage my time efficiently, and for this I use tools such as calendars and to-do lists to help me prioritize. Knowing how to prioritize is fundamental, it is very important to establish what is urgent and what is essential, both personally and professionally.

Knowing how to prioritize is essential, both personally and professionally.

Likewise, Govertis, part of Telefónica Tech, offers several facilities to achieve a good balance between work and personal life. As I have seen after being affected by a recent cut-off low in Valencia, this commitment to flexibility allows me to balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life.

What makes Telefónica Tech such a great place to work for women and how does the company promote gender diversity and inclusion?

Telefónica Tech stands out for its strong commitment to gender diversity and inclusion. An equitable work environment is promoted through various initiatives such as gender equality policies, leadership and development programs, inclusive culture, and flexible work arrangements.

Could you explain what the #WomenWithTech initiative means to you?

This initiative aims to drive gender equality, motivate the next generation of women to study careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) fields, break down barriers and stereotypes, support professional growth and foster an inclusive culture that values diversity of perspectives.

We women bring female representation to STEAM professions and help bridge the gender gap.

What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a STEAM career and what skills do you think are important to succeed in the technology sector?

My advice is to prepare, train oneself and study. There is a phrase from Seneca that says that “luck is where preparation and opportunity converge.” People who are prepared, who are trained and who visualize the goal they want to achieve, are able to perceive much better the opportunities that are presented to them. And, fortunately, these opportunities arise in a sector with a great need for professionals due to the constant technological change.

The most important skills to succeed in the consulting industry, from my point of view, is adaptability to change. It is important to be agile to learn new tools, methodologies, legal requirements.... Also, communication skills, since it is necessary to know how to listen to really understand the customer's needs and know how to explain the solutions that meet their requirements. And, last but not least, I would highlight teamwork.

The key to success in technology is to be prepared, to adapt, to communicate effectively, and to work as a team.