Women in Technology: Meet Melissa

Marissa: Tell us your story on how you got into technology?

Melissa: I was working for an international talent management firm and the role I was in was very compliance and employment law heavy. I was missing the fast-paced action of wearing multiple hats and really interacting with employees and staff so I decided it was time for a change. While I wasn’t strictly aiming for a position within the IT Industry, the position caught my eye. I felt learning a new industry would be a good challenge for myself and Dataprise’s culture and vision intrigued me.

Marissa: Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do?

Melissa: Not at all, I actually majored in Communications in college, but my career path has taken me in a couple of different directions upon which I’ve stumbled into HR. Working in technology now has been a learning experience and very inspiring.

Marissa: How long have you been with Dataprise? 

Melissa: I have been with Dataprise just over two years.

Marissa: Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

Melissa: I’m a Human Resources Generalist, meaning I wear many hats and no two days are the same. In a nutshell, an HR Gen manages the day-to-day operations of the HR Department such as administration of policies, procedures, and programs. I have exposure to employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, and organizational development.

Marissa: What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking to get into the technology field?

Melissa: Have a vision, but you don’t necessarily need to have a detailed plan. Life is long and careers are usually not linear so be open to things that may happen along the way.

Marissa: What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

Melissa: OWN YOUR CAREER! Nobody cares about it as much as you should. Once you’ve figured out what you want, go for it.

Marissa: What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

Melissa: It’s ok to take smart risks. The tech industry is all about innovation and development, and as a female in the tech industry I am encouraged to bring my ideas to the table. I’m able to have a voice and show that we, as women, can have the same recognition and respect as our male counterparts.

Marissa: What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?

Melissa: Being an HR Generalist and a true business partner means I’m willing to take risks to improve the impact my team has on Dataprise employees and our organization as a whole! The relationships I have built with our employees during my time with Dataprise, and the culture of our company, motivates me each and every day.

Marissa: Where do you see yourself going from here?

Melissa:Dataprise has a great vision ahead, and I look forward to playing a part of executing some importation initiatives throughout the journey ahead.