Meet Tracy Smart, a Senior Applications Consultant in Insights & Data for Capgemini UK.
At Capgemini, Tracy is immersed in a dynamic environment where data and technology intersect. Tracy's role involves collaborating with diverse teams, leveraging cutting-edge tools, and solving complex challenges. Whether it’s designing robust systems, optimizing processes, or driving innovation, Tracy is passionate about making an impact. Tracy describes the supportive culture and women’s network at Capgemini as "the cherry on top of the cake".
Here, Tracy shares her journey into the sector and how she's seen the landscape change.
Exploring further education in tech
Tracy says that the career she has now was not even imaginable when she left school at 16.
"Technology was only just emerging. I started my family young, and it wasn’t until my mid 20s that I felt I wanted to explore further education for myself. Even at that time, I wasn’t looking at a career in data and technology, I was more focused on becoming a science teacher," continues Tracy.
With that in mind, Tracy embarked on a degree with this as her goal. It was whilst studying for her degree that Tracy took some IT modules and ended up with a 1st class honors degree in IT and Biological Science.
"It was not easy, having three young children and studying, and was without doubt the most challenging period of my life, but I knew it was going to be a worthwhile venture in the long run," explains Tracy.
Embarking on an IT career
Following her graduation, Tracy worked at a Software house as a database administrator for many years, "thoroughly enjoying" this period of her career. Tracy then moved to the NHS, England's healthcare system, for four years to be an Information System Manager - responsible for the platform and reporting behind an NHS Acute Hospital.
"This was a very rewarding phase of my career," adds Tracy.
After a while, Tracy decided to try her hand at contracting and ended up leaving the permanent job world behind her for 10 years as a self-employed contractor.
Excited about working for Capgemini
Tracy's last contract as a self-employed professional saw her working alongside impressive Capgemini employees.
"After a while, it was clear to me that Capgemini was an amazing company. It was just what I had been waiting for to give me the incentive to move back into the permanent workspace. So here I am, three months in, and I can tell that it was a great decision. I get to work with such a diverse group of people," explains Tracy.
Abundant opportunities for learning and career growth
Tracy has worked in the IT industry for over 20 years, and says that she can really see positive change for women in this space.
"In the early days, I would often be the sole female developer in a project team. This has slowly changed over the years, and joining Capgemini has opened my eyes to a culture where women are really valued and represented, whatever their background or stage of their careers. Having joined the Women@Capgemini Employee network is like the cherry on top of the cake!" comments Tracy.
"From the very beginning, my experience at Capgemini has been incredibly positive. The induction program provides an excellent start, and everyone has been extremely welcoming. There are numerous initiatives to participate in, along with abundant opportunities for learning and career growth. I look forward to many happy years working with such a supportive and dynamic team! We’re currently hiring for several roles across the business," adds Tracy.
Experiencing a changing industry
Join Capgemini and be part of a thriving company. Be part of a diverse global collective of free-thinkers, entrepreneurs and industry experts who are all driven to use technology to reimagine what’s possible – and rewrite the future.
Together, Capgemini employees work to transform the world’s leading businesses and build a better future while always pushing themselves to do better. Together, employees build great careers and give innovation that human touch the world needs.
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