Women in tech with Insight logoMarieke Quartermaine headshot

Gabriela Pizo Cardenas: Consulting variety

Senior Consultant

Words of wisdom from her father in 1996 put Gabriela Pizo Cardenas on the technology fast track. 

She wanted to study engineering, but wasn’t sure what area. Personal computers were still in their infancy when her father took her aside and suggested she consider technology, because computers ‘are here to stay and it’s something that is going to be good for you’, Gabriela, now a Senior Consultant with Insight, says.

After finishing her Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Gabriela became a developer, mostly in consultant roles.

“The consultant’s role is a little bit more than just being a developer. You help the client identify what they need, identify risks or help guide them to make the right decisions. There are so many things involved.” 

Her current role with Insight sees her working full time for a banking client, BankWest, where she’s been for a year. 

She’s employed by Insight, but follows BankWest’s policies, attends all their meetings and even their corporate training, allowing her to be immersed in the company culture.

“Sometimes a client will just require you for three months for a specific task and then you move on to a different client, often in a different industry. Which is lovely, because it gives you an opportunity to learn about different industries, not just about technology.”

While 90 percent of her job is writing code, there’s also plenty of teamwork.  

“It doesn’t matter what company you’re with. Normally you don’t produce systems by yourself, and you have to work with other people to meet your goals.”

Despite that, she says there are roles for those who prefer less interaction and a slower pace. 

“There is always a position. If you don’t want to follow a fast moving technology, fine, you can just focus on something else. There is room for a lot of different skill sets.

“It’s unbelievable how many different technologies there are and when you combine that with the number of industries you could work in, the opportunities are massive.  

“It’s a very fulfilling career and gives you a lot of flexibility to develop other sides of your personal life, such as being a mum, or to work remotely, or part time.”

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