Occupation

Technical Architect, Vice President, Firmwide Engineering & Architecture

Organisation

J. P. Morgan

Could you give a brief potted history of your career to date?
I started as an Analyst/Programmer at University of Glasgow in 1994, and progressed through a variety of development roles with British Telecom into technical Lead roles and Program Management. I joined J.P. Morgan in 2001, after a brief segue way into Technical Consultancy for a data mining firm, working in Equities technology. I worked mainly in Java development projects, from Equity Research publishing applications to Technical Lead on an AMQP Middleware Messaging implementation. My current role is Technical Architect responsible for defining and building out suites of products for groups across the bank.

What made you get involved in this area of work/this career?
Unlike less technical pursuits, you can be close to 100% correct with a working application. Getting tangible results for the work you do is immensely rewarding. Working in a technically focused role keeps your intellect sharp and challenges you to keep expanding your knowledge. If you have a technical focus to your role, there are always lots of opportunities. I find interesting work is a key element in my job satisfaction.

What are you responsible for in your job and what do you like best about it?
I am responsible for defining both what we do and how best to do it. Currently, I'm working on the implementation tasks for example; coding. It's complex, tricky and keeps me engaged. I really enjoy working with technical specialists across my group.

What is a typical day like?
I usually have morning meetings with my local colleagues, and connect later in the day with the US team. Throughout the main part of the day I will be focused on a set of technical tasks- defining the requirements for a product, writing code, trying out proof of concept tools.

What is your working environment like?
We have an open plan office with low cubicles. Friendly and usually calm!

What challenges have you faced in your career and how have you overcome them?
I have two young children and so I have been off on maternity leave and had to get back up to speed after absence. I find hard work is usually the best solution, and accepting that you have to be disciplined and prioritise.

Do you ever make mistakes? How do you deal with that?
Everyone makes mistakes. Be able to accept you got it wrong and learn how to do better next time. Saying sorry helps too, as well as taking the responsibility for cleaning up any consequences.

What is your greatest achievement?
Staying technical despite being in leadership roles. For me - that's a tremendous achievement.

Do you have children? If so, how do you manage being a mother and working?
Caffeine! Seriously, it gets easier as your children get a little bigger - my children are four and six now. Be realistic, no-one is superhuman. Be flexible where you can and your boss will be more inclined to return the favour. Accept that for a while you might not be stellar, but you will get back to your best.

What would be your ideal holiday?
Lots of outdoors activities and a cook! Usually involves bikes and swimming.

What is your favourite book / TV Programme?
I love Masterchef, and am an Apprentice addict and my favourite book is probably MicroSerfs by Douglas Coupland.

What would you like to be doing in 5 years time?
I would like to be leading an exciting, challenging technical project.

Is there any advice you would give students entering your career?
Take some time to figure out what you do well and what you need to improve, it will help you figure out what sort of work is right for you. Also write lists which is immensely helpful.

What do you think could be done to encourage more women to enter your field?
Women are great at technical work (just like Men), which is perhaps not the stereotype. It's important not to be confined by other people's perceptions. More opportunities to try out technology would probably be a good start.