Women in Tech at DocuSign: Christina H.
Our “Women in Tech” blog series places the spotlight on female employees in tech jobs who tell us about why they decided to start a career in software engineering, what they do at DocuSign, who their role models are and more. At DocuSign, we believe in the next generation of female leaders in technology and want to help them get on the right career trajectory. This week we sat down with Christina in Product Design based in Seattle to learn more about her career.
What is your current role at DocuSign and what do you actually do day-to-day in that role?
I am a Senior Manager in Product Design. My day to day is mostly planning, policy, scheduling, design reviews, bringing alignment to project teams, visioning and lots and lots of meetings. And then more meetings after that.
What did your kids or friends and family think you do?
“Lots of boring stuff and hard work and too much traveling” – actual quote from my 9 and 11-year-old boys.
When did you choose to work in technology and why?
I used to do print work – annual reports, environmental graphics, packaging and marketing. When the web became a “thing” I decided I had better learn what that was about and taught myself how to code from scratch (way before CSS!). Over the years I have adapted to new tech as it came out – mobile, IoT, etc. I love learning and applying my skills in new areas and staying relevant. I love balancing design and technology, and I am pretty darn good at it.
What excites you most about working at DocuSign and why?
I love the people, the passion and the vision. We impact people in all walks of life, across industries and geographies. Our environmental impact, and our philanthropy is also a huge draw. I love problem solving and we have lost of rich and meaty problems to solve.
As a woman in tech, do you have any role models in technology that you look up to? Who are they and why do you look up to them?
Kate Aronowitz – a respected design leader and innovator; Kim Lennox – successfully balancing a robust and successful design career with being a mom. These women have reached a level of success in leadership and speaking that I aspire to. Margaret Hamilton – a leader in engineering for Apollo (I have always wanted to be an astronaut!) and on that note also Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson – for being amazing pioneers and making people listen to them by doing great work that could not be ignored!
What advice would you give women who might be considering a career in technology?
Do what you love and don’t let anyone stop you. Don’t apologize for being a woman – believe in yourself and your passion. If you love what you do, the rest falls into place. Never be afraid to try something new – everything is a learning experience. If you find yourself in a company that is an “boys club” – don’t put up with it, keep moving. You deserve to be appreciated for your talent and there are plenty of places that will celebrate it.
Interested in pursuing a career in technology and working at DocuSign? Check out our job openings. Coming to Grace Hopper in Houston on September 25-28? Visit us at booth #6548 and sign up for an interview! We’d love to talk.