After finishing high school Ally started an arts degree. She majored in politics and philosophy but wasn’t really passionate about either. As a result, she never finished her degree.

Instead, she found herself running a cafe, her days filled with lattes and long Blacks. She continued in the cafe world for 8 years but after eventually selling her business she realised it was time to think about studying again. 

So, at the age of 30, Ally returned to university.

This time around she took a very different direction and decided to major in mechatronic engineering. 

Today, she’s an IBM Developer Advocate, working closely with developers and open source communities around the globe. She’s passionate about sharing her experience and helping build a supportive and inclusive tech community. 

Not only was Ally such a wonderful guest, I have no doubt you will find her story inspiring and relatable. 

In this episode we cover:

• Ally’s career journey from cafe owner to software engineer and IBM developer advocate (6:22)
• Her transition from university to the workplace, how it’s different for women compared with men, and what organisations can do to smooth the process (11:37) 
• Her advice for university graduates transitioning into the workforce (various)
• Call for Code hackathon, what it is, and how to participate (23:10)
• And so much more!

Episode Resources:

• Ally Haire on Twitter and Linkedin
• Call for Code Hackathon Registration
• Accenture feature Coffee Beans to Coding
• Book, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, by Brene Brown (author)
• Book, Curveballs: How to Keep It Together when Life Tries to Tear You a New One, by Emma Markezic (author)

 [Full Disclaimer: Some of these links may be affiliate links, which means we receive compensation, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase through the link.]

Thank you for listening

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the Females in Tech Show.

My aim is to inspire and support you to reach your goals, and provide you with practical tips on how to be the best version of yourself.

If you did enjoy the show, then I'd like to ask three things, so I can inspire and support more career motivated women ( and men).

1. SUBSCRIBE: search for “The Females in Tech Show” in your favourite podcast app (eg. Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, Stitcher), and subscribe to the show to ensure you never miss an episode.
2. REVIEW: write a review for the show in your favourite podcast app telling us what you love, and also where we can improve.
3. SHARE: this episode with friends and colleagues who might benefit from the content, as well as grow and support our community.

How can we better serve you?

Ultimately the show is for you, the females in tech community, which begs the question… How can we better serve you?

Tell us what topics you’d like to learn more about, or will help advance your career in technology. Complete the form at this link and sugg