Meet The Role Models is a technology community series which highlights the stories of The Ada Lovelace Initiative role models. The success of the Ada Lovelace Initiative is down to the continuous participation of technology professionals across Ireland and since September 2015, voluntary speakers have reached over 5000 secondary school students between them.
In our latest interview we are joined by Tanvi Shirke, Group IT Business Analyst at Ardagh Group.
MEET OUR ROLE MODEL TANVI SHIRKE
Hey Tanvi! How would you describe your current role?
I work as an IT Business Analyst / Business Architect at a glass bottle and beverage can manufacturing company. I am part of the Enterprise Architecture team. My job is to support the definition, analysis and documentation of critical business processes and capabilities.
What attracted you to this type of career?
I am passionate about tech and I am good with statistics and math.
What did you study in college?
I studied Bachelor of Science in Computer Science followed by Master of Science in Data Analytics.
What were your favourite subjects when you were in school?
Math and Science were my favourite subjects in school, and I was quite interested in English Literature as well.
What were your favourite hobbies when you were in school?
When I was in school, I was learning Indian Classical Dancing – Bharatnatyam, and I was part of the school quiz team which has greatly helped win Pub quizzes now!
What would you say is a common misconception about your role type?
One big misconception of being a Business Analyst is that people often think all we do is make charts and visualisations but, there’s a lot more to the role. As an IT Business Analyst, I facilitate critical decisions making, analyse gaps, improve existing processes and structure. I not only define and document business processes but also put them in the correct flow, so the business structure makes sense as a whole.
What would you say is the best part of your work?
The best part of my work is that I can see the difference I am making for the company. I can see the direct effects of my work and how it benefits the organisation. This serves as a constant motivation to work harder and better.
What motivated you to get involved with The Ada Lovelace Initiative?
I want young girls to know there is a place for them in STEM. They too can change the world with their intelligence and skills in STEM fields.
How important do you think it is for young girls to have the opportunity to meet female role models in the stem space?
I think it is very important to feel represented in the world of STEM. Meeting female role models can give you the inspiration and confidence to believe you can be successful in your ambitions.
Who is a role model in history that you look up to, and why?
I have 2 role models; Marie Curie and Nikola Tesla. They did not let the society tell them what to do. I like people that rebel through their work.
What advice would you give to any young girls considering a tech / stem future?
Believe in your skills and in your intelligence. Work hard to achieve your goals. Try to do things you want to do even if you fail. Perseverance really does help you succeed.
Thank you Tanvi for joining us to share your story and inspire other young women considering STEM as a path for them!
If you too would like to get involved with The Ada Lovelace Initiative, please visit our A.L.I page.
Keep up to date and never miss out on exciting A.L.I news by following Verify Recruitment on LinkedIn or @VerifyCommunity on Twitter. And why not check out our Women in STEM podcast to get a little more insight at https://otia.io/2021/06/24/women-in-stem-podcast/
