Women in Technology, Succeeding and Leading

Happy International Women’s Day! In celebration of today and that March is Women’s History Month, we’ve decided to feature successful Bomgar ladies, whether they be customers or employees, with insight into their careers and what it’s like to work in a historically male-dominated industry.

Today’s feature is on one of Bomgar’s own, Leigh Molen:

How long have you been working in the technology sector?
- Since 1997
What is your current role and responsibilities?
- Currently, I am filling the role of Senior Director of Quality Assurance.
What attracted you to the position?
- In 2006, I joined Bomgar as a Quality Assurance Engineer with a primary focus on testing the software for /login, /appliance and certain parts of the representative console. At the time, Bomgar was a relatively small company in Mississippi and I hadn’t heard much about it. I did know a few people who worked there and that was one of the attractions. Quality Assurance has always been something I have enjoyed - being able to ‘break’ something can be challenging and rewarding at times especially once you see the final product. Bomgar continued to thrive over the next few years and I found myself in a management position. I have enjoyed my time at Bomgar…the people I work with are wonderful and the path the company has been on and is on has always been exciting!
What was your first job in the tech sector?
- I first began my career in a Quality Assurance testing role at another company that was a source for wireless data and messaging services.
Do you consider yourself a “techie”? Why or why not?
- Yes, I do consider myself a ‘techie’. I was at a reunion this weekend and someone mentioned to me how much my letting them use my computer at school back in the early 90s meant to them - they didn’t have to find a computer lab on campus. I also had an email address at the time and my female friends just shook their heads because technology was not something in which they had much knowledge. You also now you’re a ‘techie’ when you are the first source of questions about computers/networking from friends and family….and when you anxiously, but patiently, wait for a new release of hardware or software to hit the shelves.
Name the contributing factors that got you to where you are today in your career.
- The biggest influences in my life were my family and my teachers in high school. Seeing that I had the skills to excel in math and science, my parents strongly encouraged me to pursue a degree in engineering. My dad and several of his brothers are engineers so it was like entering the family business. In high school, my science and math teachers were very motivated and made learning fun. They encouraged all their students to get out there and make a difference. In college, I joined various organizations that helped foster and develop leadership skills. Being in one of those organizations in particular helped mold me into the person I am today from a leadership/personal skills standpoint. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if I had not been in that organization. The coursework I had to take as an electrical engineering student also helped groom me in the areas of time management and troubleshooting….EE is a difficult and challenging major.
Is there another woman in the industry you admire?
- I admire several of my female friends from college that entered technical roles. Seeing how they have transitioned from inexperienced, shy students in a male dominated field to strong, intellectuals and subject matter experts in their respective fields is rewarding. I also see them encouraging upcoming generations to pursue careers in technical fields. Many women are not encouraged to do that, especially if they did not have someone in their lives to guide them as I did. Educating future generations, like my daughter, about technology and the careers available in technology is something I value from those women.
For all the women aspiring to leadership in a technology career, what would your advice be?
- Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. If you’re still in college, join organizations and take on leadership roles within those organizations. Find friends who are like-minded with their career aspirations and goals in life. Once you are in the working world, don’t shy away from added responsibilities or changes. If you see a need within an organization, fill it. Being self-motivated is a large part of achieving more in a career. Also, other seasoned professionals may see potential in you that you yourself are not aware of. If they offer advice or guidance, be open to their suggestions.