Christy Deegan
Interview Posted By: Ashley Smith
1. Can you tell us a little about your background? i.e. Where you grew up, what education do you have, a summary of your resume, did you always want to do what you are doing now, when did you start to become interested in STEM, what internships/ volunteering
I grew up in central Illinois and went to college at the University of Illinois. I work on the people side of technology. I started working with Andersen Consulting out of college. We helped clients roll out new technology and change their business and process.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do - - but I always enjoy making things better and easier for people to do their job. I feel like I’m on the people side of technology.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
Right now, we are designing a new software tool to help our engineers. We are helping to train the people who will be using the tool and keeping the rest of the company informed of the upcoming change and progress.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I really think about how to talk to people – convey the ideas, the message, understand their concern and address it. I studied Business, Communication and Spanish in college and ended up working with technology, but it’s funny how so much of it comes down to just working with people.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I deal with it by being prepared with my information, staying calm, ensuring I am addressing the issue and not someone’s emotion and believing in myself and my abilities.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
The hardest part is working with people who underestimate my abilities OR when I have to do a task that is mundane BUT I tell myself I can learn from everything.
I look forward to designing new ideas, solutions and creating something a user can utilize.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I keep my calendar up to date and am sure to block off time. It’s a challenge -
7. What do you define success as?
Doing my best and being my best.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Hmm so many!! Great listening skills.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My last manager – let the work represent your abilities, talk with people to understand their concern and repeat it back to them to confirm it, think the best of others.
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received ? be honest What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance?
Don’t be afraid to learn and try new things What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us? Love to learn, challenge yourself and believe that you can do it.
Please do not feel like you need to answer all of these questions. Only the ones you are comfortable with. Thank you again for doing this.
Ashley, thanks for reaching out! That shows such promise. I am constantly asking others for their advice, it’s such a great way to learn and open your mind to possibilities.
I grew up in central Illinois and went to college at the University of Illinois. I work on the people side of technology. I started working with Andersen Consulting out of college. We helped clients roll out new technology and change their business and process.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do - - but I always enjoy making things better and easier for people to do their job. I feel like I’m on the people side of technology.
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
Right now, we are designing a new software tool to help our engineers. We are helping to train the people who will be using the tool and keeping the rest of the company informed of the upcoming change and progress.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I really think about how to talk to people – convey the ideas, the message, understand their concern and address it. I studied Business, Communication and Spanish in college and ended up working with technology, but it’s funny how so much of it comes down to just working with people.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I deal with it by being prepared with my information, staying calm, ensuring I am addressing the issue and not someone’s emotion and believing in myself and my abilities.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
The hardest part is working with people who underestimate my abilities OR when I have to do a task that is mundane BUT I tell myself I can learn from everything.
I look forward to designing new ideas, solutions and creating something a user can utilize.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I keep my calendar up to date and am sure to block off time. It’s a challenge -
7. What do you define success as?
Doing my best and being my best.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
Hmm so many!! Great listening skills.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My last manager – let the work represent your abilities, talk with people to understand their concern and repeat it back to them to confirm it, think the best of others.
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received ? be honest What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance?
Don’t be afraid to learn and try new things What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us? Love to learn, challenge yourself and believe that you can do it.
Please do not feel like you need to answer all of these questions. Only the ones you are comfortable with. Thank you again for doing this.
Ashley, thanks for reaching out! That shows such promise. I am constantly asking others for their advice, it’s such a great way to learn and open your mind to possibilities.