#WomenWithTech: Maria builds useful solutions for industrial digitalization

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

I am Maria Garcia, project manager in the digitalization department of Geprom, part of Telefónica Tech. My job is to coordinate and supervise software development technology projects focused on the digitalization and optimization of industrial processes.

What is your specialization and how did you get to do what you do now?

My specialization is project management. I am in charge of planning technical tasks, communication with the customer and monitoring the progress of projects, among other things.

I started at Geprom as a technician, and I ended up having the opportunity to manage a small project. I thought it would be interesting to try it out, to see if I liked it and, in the end, that experience led me to take the decision to switch to project management.

Was it clear to you that you always wanted to work in technology since you were a child? Was it something vocational?

It has always been clear to me that I wanted to dedicate myself to something related to science or technology. I have always been very curious, and since I was a child, I was interested in understanding how things worked and if I could recreate them with what I had at hand.

Dedicating myself to technology was a decision that was always clear to me.

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

I chose a technology-related profession because I like to build practical solutions that are useful in real life. It motivates me to see that my work has a purpose and to see how it builds little by little to a final result.

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

My professional career has been a constant learning process. I have had the opportunity to be a technician and project manager and to work on bigger and bigger projects. This has allowed me to grow and learn a lot.

In my daily life it is very important to be organized, to have a good technical knowledge base and to know how to find the right solutions to all kinds of problems.

I try to organize my time well in order to separate spaces. I always try to have some time for my surroundings and my hobbies, so I can disconnect.

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

Its commitment to diversity and inclusion and offering the same opportunities to grow professionally, regardless of gender. Personally, my experience has been very positive, and I am also fortunate to work with other women in my daily life, which is not very common in the industry.

What the #WomenWithTech initiative means to you?

#WomenWithTech for me is an initiative that showcases the work that women in technology do. It gives visibility that helps girls and women consider a career in tech, because it shows that the industry is changing, and women have an important place in it.

What do women bring to STEAM professions?

Women make up half of the population, and if we are not in STEAM, it means that half of the ideas and opportunities are being missed. We also bring diversity to teams and new approaches.

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

My advice would be to be confident in yourself and not be afraid to start your career. There are very interesting sectors, and they require you to be constantly updating yourself. If you like a STEAM career, I'm sure you will enjoy it a lot.

Women bring diversity and new approaches to teams.