At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week we're speaking with Miriam Clegg, Solutions Engineer from KrakenFlex.
Your career journey is inspiring. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in technology?
Looking back, it’s amazing to think about how I ended up here. While it’s easy to chalk it up to luck, that can sometimes downplay the effort I’ve actually put in. So, always remember to give yourself credit for the work you do. Acknowledge your achievements, and don’t be afraid to own them. You deserve to recognise your hard work and celebrate your progress. Another key thing is to believe in yourself. We often hesitate to step into uncomfortable situations, assuming someone else can do it better. But the only way to grow and learn is by taking that step and giving it a try. We also don’t have to do it alone—working in teams and having mentors means you have a support system. Take every opportunity, no matter how small it seems. Each opportunity is a door cracked ajar, and even if you don’t explore it fully right away, it’s still there if you want to come back to it later. These experiences also help build a strong portfolio that can support career development. Network, reach out to people, build relationships, seek mentorship and sponsorship. This can involve attending conferences and meetups (HER + Data in Manchester is a great example), as well as reaching out to colleagues within your organisation. Internal opportunities are often some of the best ways to develop your career and expand your skill set. These relationships help open doors and create opportunities for the future. Finally, a growth mindset. For me this is really key as losing it can lead to stagnation. When we stop seeking ways to improve or challenge ourselves, we miss out on opportunities to learn. I truly believe there is always more to discover, so stay curious.
KrakenFlex has been instrumental in my career progression by providing a supportive and flexible environment that encourages growth and exploration. Here are a few ways they’ve supported me:
Opportunities for Growth - KrakenFlex has given me the space to specialise within my role while also encouraging me to explore new responsibilities, such as my secondment to another team. This experience allowed me to expand my skill set and ultimately transition into that secondment role full-time. Mentorship and Sponsorship - During my secondment, I was paired with an excellent mentor who helped and supported me as I integrated into the new team. Their advice was instrumental in helping me make informed career decisions and feel confident in my role transition. Training and Development - KrakenFlex provides a generous annual training budget and dedicated time for development. I’ve used this to attend conferences, pursue AWS certifications, accessing resources like books and professional memberships. Looking ahead, I plan to further enhance my skills by attending leadership and communication courses. Culture - KrakenFlex promotes a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Internal communities, like tech guilds and women’s networks, have been particularly valuable for learning, sharing experiences, and connecting with others who share similar interests; There are also more casual groups, like makers-space, where people can showcase their crafty creations. The company also supports external networking at events and conferences, such as the European Women in Technology conference, which was fantastic for expanding my industry knowledge and building connections.
When applying for roles and finding companies that have a similar positive environment, during the interview process don’t be afraid to ask about their internal mentorship schemes, the training and development opportunities they offer, and what actions they take to preserve a culture of openness and honesty.
What are the biggest challenges you've faced in the tech industry, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest challenge I initially faced was breaking into the industry, followed closely by battling imposter syndrome once I got there. Breaking in meant transitioning from my role as an Energy Specialist in the Octopus Energy call centre to spending most of my day coding in Python. This transition actually started from a casual chat with one of the engineers at our coffee machine. From there, I expanded my network within KrakenFlex and connected with PeopleOps and internal recruiters to explore a role that would be a good fit for my skills and aspirations. It was a significant shift in responsibilities, and prior to becoming a Customer Success Engineer, my exposure to Python had been minimal—just basic calculations and graph building from my degree. Diving into this new technical space quickly led to imposter syndrome. I had to rely on my support network to remind me that I was capable, while also spending a lot of time reading resources and completing training courses to level up my skills. I then found myself taking the same leap again two years later during my secondment, and eventually transitioning into a full-time Software Developer role. I’ve learned to embrace asking lots of questions, pairing with teammates for one-on-one learning, and taking on a mix of tasks—both those I know I can handle and those that challenge me. The key for me has been staying curious, leaning on my team, and being okay with feeling uncomfortable while I grow. The imposter syndrome hasn’t completely gone away, but I’ve come to see it as a sign that I’m still challenging myself and continuing to grow.
Women play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology by bringing diverse perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and innovative ideas to the field. Their participation can drive more inclusive product development, resulting in technology that better serves everyone, not just a specific demographic.
How do you see the role of women in shaping the future of technology, and what steps can be taken to encourage more women into STEM careers?
Women are a vital part of all industries as we are 50% of the general population. Diverse perspectives often lead to more creative problem-solving, innovation, and products that better serve a wider range of users. When women are involved in the development of technology, it naturally results in more inclusive solutions that reflect the needs and experiences of all people.
Visible Role Models - One of the most powerful ways to inspire is by showcasing successful female role models. We need to highlight a range of women—from those focused on career advancement to those balancing both a career and family life.. Seeing women excel in various ways can inspire others to pursue their own unique paths.
Early Introduction - We should encourage girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and maths from an early age. Breaking down gender stereotypes and showing that all careers are open to everyone helps broaden career possibilities. Career changes should also be normalised and promoted; what you choose at 16 doesn't have to limit your choices at 25.
Supportive Environment - Creating supportive environments within schools, universities, and workplaces. This includes women in mentorship programs, women-focused STEM activities, tech guilds, scholarships, and work experience initiatives
Flexible Working - Offering flexible working arrangements, including around family commitments like school pickups, along with generous parental leave, can make tech careers more accessible to women. This can make tech careers more accessible and sustainable for women, especially those with family responsibilities.
Gender Pay and Women in Leadership - Addressing the gender pay gap and offering leadership opportunities to women in tech are also critical steps to ensure women not only enter but thrive in the tech industry.
