Abbie O’Donnell’s  journey into tech started after graduating with a psychology degree, and shortly afterwards completing an internship with Kurt J. Lesker, where she gained valuable experience in marketing within the tech sector.

That internship really sparked her interest in technology and showed her how psychology and marketing can work together to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates with people.

Shortly afterwards, she became a mum and made the decision to take time out to focus on raising her son, who turns two in November.

What inspired you to return to work after taking time out to raise your family?

Having my son been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful to have had this quality time with him.

As he has become more independent, I’ve been really excited to start the next stage of my career. Rather than jumping straight back in, I’ve taken a gradual approach by continuing to build my knowledge through a university course on marketing, business and AI. Alongside my studies, I’ve stayed connected with the industry by attending technology events and networking opportunities, as well as supporting marketing activities at some of these events. Those experiences have reinforced how much I enjoy the collaborative and innovative nature of the tech industry.

Returning to work feels like the right step at the right time. I’m bringing not only my previous experience but also new skills, fresh perspectives and a real enthusiasm to continue growing my career in technology.

You decided to return to university while preparing to re-enter the workplace. What motivated that decision, and how has it helped you feel ready for your next career step?

Returning to university felt like a natural next step because I wanted to build on the experience I’d already gained in the tech sector while preparing for the future of marketing. Technology is evolving so quickly, particularly with the growth of AI, and I wanted to make sure I was developing the knowledge and skills that employers will value.

University been a fantastic opportunity to connect theory with real-world applications. My psychology background helps me understand people and consumer behaviour, while my previous internship gave me practical experience in a technology environment. This course has brought those different areas together and given me a much broader understanding of how businesses can use technology to create value and communicate effectively.

I feel like I’m returning to the workplace with a unique combination of experiences. I have my psychology background, hands-on experience in the tech sector, the personal growth that came from becoming a mum, and now up-to-date knowledge of marketing and AI. Together, those experiences have given me the confidence that I’m ready for my next step and excited about contributing to the tech industry again.

How has the support from Women in Tech Works helped you, particularly in rebuilding your confidence and preparing for a return to the tech sector?

Women in Tech Works has been a really important part of my journey back into the tech sector. After taking time out to raise my son, I think it’s natural to question your confidence and wonder whether you still belong in such a fast-moving industry. The programme reminded me that taking a career break doesn’t mean your skills or potential disappear.

The support, encouragement and sense of community have helped me rebuild my confidence and recognise the value of the experience I already had, while also encouraging me to keep learning and developing, for example, through the program I have had opportunities to continue networking and attend industry events. Being surrounded by other women with different career journeys, especially my mentor Jillian Hughes, has been really inspiring, and it’s shown me that there isn’t one correct path into a successful career in tech.

What I’ve appreciated most is that Women in Tech Works doesn’t just focus on helping women find opportunities, it creates an environment where you feel supported, encouraged and confident enough to pursue them. This has given me the confidence to believe that I have something valuable to contribute to the tech sector, and I’m excited to continue building my career within it.