Pauline Carslaw

Length of Service

Since October 2004
 

Describe your career so far?

I have always worked in IT development and worked for a number of companies after graduating including Cisco Systems, BT and the Clydesdale Bank. I started as a programmer and progressed to my current position as Build Manager in JPM.
 
What made you attracted to a career in IT and anything specific that attracted you to JPM?

This is difficult. I didn't grow up thinking that I wanted to be a 'software engineer'. I wanted a career with good prospects, one where I could use logic and problem solving in my day-to-day work. IT was really just taking off so it was a bit of a risk but it has worked out really well.
 
In a male dominated industry what career tips would you give to a female who's just starting up on her career?

Firstly, treat everyone equally. I recognise that we are all individuals with strengths and weaknesses. I have seen very aggressive behaviour from men and women, neither is acceptable and if someone is aggressive and you find it offensive then you should say so. I would also say never be afraid to take on a challenge, it is important to stretch yourself.

What has been your biggest challenge so far in IT?

I was involved with 2 redundancy programs when I was at Cisco and was actually made redundant myself during the 2nd program. This was a really tough time for me personally and also as a manager, my entire group was impacted by the redundancies. Every person handled the redundancy differently, for some it was a chance to change career, travel, yet for others it was a really, really difficult time.

Do you think there is enough balance between work and the home for people with families working at JPM?

Truthfully, I think it is very difficult and something that we all need to work at, unfortunately it doesn't just happen and you do need to constantly prioritise. There will be times when you find conflict and for anyone who finds themselves in this situation then you need to discuss it with your manager.

Are there any initiatives that you think JPM could do or could do better to attract females to the ETC?

I think that you are making a good start by having this group, having a support network is really good. Men have lots of bonding sports like football and golf, typically not something that I have seen many women getting involved with so we need to have other bonding activities. JPM needs to also have more women in senior roles, MDs, etc, something which women can aspire to.

Is there anything specific you would like the diversity initiative to focus on?

I think we could help in creating some part-time roles. This isn't only a women thing but I think some men would also like the opportunity to work maybe 4 days a week due to family commitments, at the moment we only have women (I think) doing formal FWAs with reduced working weeks, typically after returning from maternity leave.