Empowering Diversity and insights in IT: A journey with KBC

It may come as a surprise to many, but in the early 1900s, the Information Technology sector was primarily female-dominated. However, in contemporary times, the tech sector can definitely use some extra girl power. Research has consistently demonstrated that diverse teams and companies perform better, reaching a broader clients.

My initial exposure to KBC occurred at the Women in IT event last year. This event was designed not only to raise awareness about the role of women in IT but also to facilitate connections between students and KBC employees working in the IT sector. KBC colleagues were gracious in sharing their experiences and insights, while keynote speakers added value to the event. Personally, gaining insights into the working environment and understanding day-to-day tasks is paramount before embarking on a job search, and the Women in IT event offered a comprehensive overview of KBC while affording me the opportunity to interact with other women in IT.

Prior to joining KBC, I held the belief that the banking world was characterized by conservatism and tedium. However, my experience at KBC has been quite the opposite - dynamic, supportive, and enjoyable, even within the relatively short time I have been with the company. My integration into KBC was facilitated by the IT onboarding program, consisting of eight sessions that provided me with a general understanding of KBC. This onboarding experience allowed me to expand my professional network beyond my immediate team. Establishing a strong network is particularly vital within a large organization like KBC, as it enables you to seek assistance from individuals in different teams when the need arises. A notable aspect of KBC is the approachability and willingness of colleagues to offer assistance whenever requested.

Adjusting to a new environment and a new role can be challenging, but with the guidance of my mentor, the support of fellow IT trainees, and the camaraderie of KBC colleagues, I have been able to successfully navigate my journey at KBC.