Charlotte Littley
Charlotte Littley
What did you study (at school, college or university)?
My degree probably could not have been less 'techie' if I tried.
My full degree title is European Culture, Society, Communication and French. Yeah, I know!
In my defense, I went to uni to learn as much as I could about as many different things as possible, before I'd have to enter the real world, and I do think my degree gave me a good stab at that goal!
How did you get into technology?
I had no idea what I wanted to do when I graduated. I thought maybe journalism or copy-writing because I'm so creative, but in a recession these jobs were impossible to get. I thought about the foreign office because of my language skills and love of people and diplomacy, but the grad scheme was super competitive... So obviously I became a Flight Attendant instead.
A year and a half down the line and I called time on my international adventure and moved back home to start again. A brief stint as a copywriter told me that wasn't the career for me either, so I moved into marketing at my first start up. I was in love.
After a year in the company, our then our Product Manager at the time decided it was time for her to move on. It was (apparently) my curiosity for our product and the tech behind it, a genuine love of our business and what we were trying to achieve, and my obsession with our customers and what made them tick that lead our CTO to approach me directly and offer to train me up in the role.
That was 2 years ago and I've never looked back. I have and would probably never describe myself as a techie. I can't code and digital architecture is largely a mystery to me. But at the same time I work with tech everyday. I help to build it often, and I find it the most fun. I'm proud to work with interesting, intelligent people everyday who challenge me to be better and smarter.
What company do you work for?
Tails.com
What do you do at your current company?
Product Manager
What advice would you give to girls looking to get into a tech related career?
Find something you love and work out how to be amazing at it. I promise you, you won't regret it.