International Women’s Day 2023

Here at Truespeed, supporting our teams to progress has always been at the heart of how we do things.

We’re always looking for ways in which we can help to break down barriers in our industry and ensure everyone has access to the opportunities they need to develop.

Because getting our network up and running requires a talented team of individuals – of all genders, and from all walks of life.

That’s why, to celebrate IWD 2023, we want to showcase some of the women helping us break down barriers and reach new heights.

Here, they touch on how they came to be where they are today, and share their advice for women looking to do the same.

Choose a path that feels right for you

When it comes to starting a career in telecoms, there isn’t exactly a tried-and-true process to finding your “perfect” role. For many, it’s a case of choosing the path that feels right for them.

“I fell into the sector by accident, really”, says Hannah, one of our Product Managers. “I studied Business Administration at university, and felt a graduate scheme in technology would offer the widest breadth of opportunities.

“Since then, I’ve had a wide variety of roles across the sector, all of which led me to my current role as a Product Manager here at Truespeed.”

“I never had long-term plan,” says Samantha, our Head of Access and Permissions.

“For me, when it came to taking the next step in my career, it was more important to consider whether it was going to make me happy and fulfilled – which is, ultimately, what attracted me to Truespeed.”

“I always think that it’s important to be clear on what your goals are,” adds Mel, our Director of Marketing. “Always be clear on where you want to be, and follow that path.

“It’s also important to have fire in your belly. We’re working for 70% of our lives, so make sure you’re doing something that makes you happy.”

See where curiosity can take you

Whatever your background or area of expertise, there are no shortage of opportunities for women to progress within telecoms.

“I left school with just my GCSEs,” says Cara, our Field Operations Support Manager. “My first role was working in Customer Service, both face-to-face and over the phones, but I wanted something a bit more challenging.

“I started as one of only three people in Truespeed’s Customer Service and Sales team, but, as the business grew, the demand for installations – and a team to deal with them – grew as well, which is where my team then evolved from.”

Samantha first joined Truespeed as a “door-knocker”, tasked with spreading the word about Truespeed and everything we have to offer. “Nobody had heard of us at that point!” she says.

“From there, I worked my way into the Sales team, then across into the Access team, where I now head up the department responsible for arranging any access we need to work on private land.”

Kayleigh, one of our Network Planners, initially started out as an Engineer Assistant. “Curiosity got the better of me,” she says, “and I soon wanted to get more hands-on with everything, engineering-wise.

“Before long I was splicing cables, testing fibre lines, and doing just about everything in between. The more I learnt, the more my curiosity was peaked about how these networks are planned.

“After gaining my planning qualification, I then joined Truespeed as a fully-fledged Planner, where I now also help to train Planners of the future.”

Don’t be afraid – just go for it!

Though telecoms, technology, and engineering have long been seen as male-oriented sectors, the balance is beginning to shift – something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Cara, our Field Operations Support Manager.

“Since I started at Truespeed five years ago, more and more women have moved into the engineering and planning side of the business. That’s why I’d advise any woman looking to move into engineering or telecoms to just go for it!”

“It can be intimidating at first”, adds Kim, our Head of PR and Communications, “but so many women are much more capable than they would give themselves credit for. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”

“It’s an ever-changing industry,” Hannah says. “There’s lots to learn. But there’s a great community you can reach out to for guidance and support – especially at Truespeed.”

“Finding a role within a business that wants to see you progress, and is keen to support you throughout that learning experience, can be hugely beneficial,” says Yasmin, our Accounts Payable Controller.

“You don’t always have to have a relevant degree or qualifications, either. I certainly didn’t! So long as you’re an enthusiastic individual with a passion for what you do, you’re sure to be a success.”