THERE are unexpected similarities between working in technology and working in the arts, according to North-East women who have made the move.

Lack of mentors, technical skills and imposter syndrome are often cited as reasons there are not more women in technology, but women in the North-East who have moved from the arts to tech – or vice versa – are urging others to not undervalue soft skills, creativity and innovation.

Rachel Pattison, 33, who lives in County Durham, moved from working with Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, to managing digital research and social innovation programmes at Open Lab, a research group in interaction design and ubiquitous computing, both at Newcastle University.

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Ubiquitous computing is where technology is embedded within an everyday object.

She said: "I see myself as an information professional. I've gone from working with a children's museum to cutting edge technology.

"I always saw myself as an arts person but then I started looking at my work in a different way. I was running a lot of digital events and projects with Seven Stories, children were amazing they would just try and swipe a touch screen. I was witnessing how tech was impacting our lives."

Ms Pattinson is also involved in Digital Civics, a long-term research initiative led by Open Lab which is exploring how digital technologies can empower citizens and communities.

"Both technology and the arts are about ideas, communication and information," she added. "There are a lot of parallels, the biggest difference is the medium. Tech is an opportunity, you can always pivot back."

A year after taking on the new role, Ms Pattison, who was presented with a TechWomen100 award in December, is now also completing at strategic leadership qualification and urges women to invest in themselves and not be afraid to retrain.

The Northern Echo: Rachel Pattinson, of Newcastle University’s Open Lab, was awarded a TechWomen100 award in December

Richmond-born Kathryn Wharton has also taken on additional training after leaving the Great North Museum: Hancock for software house Hedgehog Lab.

The 34-year-old said: "I love history and being in the museum sector, but I wanted something different.

"I knew if I was up against someone with ten years experience in the tech sector that I wouldn't have a chance, but I asked my interviewers, don't you want someone with a fresh perspective?

"There's definitely an element of imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence, but it's about being creative, teamwork and having problem-solving skills.

"Going into technology doesn't also mean needing technical skills too, there are so many roles that exist in the sector that I had never heard of."

Ms Wharton, who says she was "not going to make the move for anyone" urges job seekers to ensure the culture of the company is right, as well as the location and working hours.

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Meanwhile, former Accenture employee Helen Simmons, who worked in a wide variety of roles at the firm over a 20-year period, is moving away from technology to the creative space after being made redundant during the pandemic.

Now on a masters in multidisciplinary innovation, she said: "I was really sad to be made redundant but I thought this is the time to do something creative.

"On reflection, I didn't feel like I was thriving. I was curious and innovative but I couldn't decide what to do next, so I just searched for innovation and found my masters."

Ms Simmons says the pandemic has forced everyone to become digital savvy, highlighting further similarities between technology and other sectors.

The Northern Echo: Former Accenture employee Helen Simmons is now doing a masters in Multidisciplinary Innovation

She said: "Technology is everywhere. It is people-first, you need empathy. You may be building something for a client but you're actually building it for their users.

"Tech changes so much that you are constantly learning anyway. You don't just pick a job anymore, people have a portfolio of careers. Multi-disciplined experience means you are agile."

The women are encouraging others to network on LinkedIn, where they met, and ask role models for advice when exploring opportunities in different sectors.