Channel Post speaks to Nandini Sapru, the Director of Sales at EMT Distribution, about what made her choose IT as her career, and her advice for young female professionals
Please tell us something about yourself.
I started my career in 2004 as an instrumentation engineer in USA. Although I liked the technical aspects of my job, I always enjoyed technology sales and marketing a bit more.
So I enrolled for some technical marketing courses and decided to move back to the UAE for a career in technology sales. I enjoy what I do because it combines having good knowledge of technology and its benefits with actual applications in real life.
What made you choose IT / IT channel industry as a career choice?
The channel industry is very evolved in the Middle East. The ability to work in teams and to make others successful along with myself is what makes the job most lucrative. The channel is a great place to develop new and innovative business ideas. Also, it helps me understand the latest and most exciting technology trends in the market.
What sort of opportunities are present for women in the IT channel industry?
Today, I believe it is possible for women to work in all roles in the industry. Be it in distribution, VAR or with principal vendors, women are capable of excelling in the industry.
Women of course have the challenge of managing both their home and the workplace but with timely management of both ends, I believe, women can be successful. In recent times, I see women excel at technical roles and manage travel for work assignments with ease.
Is it easy or difficult working with male co-workers especially in the day-to-day trading environment?
The percentage of women working in the industry is definitely on the increase. However, in terms of numbers, male colleagues still dominate. I believe every work environment must offer a good balance between male and female colleagues. A good combination of the two provides for a favorable work and team environment.
What challenges do you face on a day to day basis?
Most of the challenges I face are generic in nature. Daily deadlines, managing customer expectations, developing a strong and practical business plan and ensuring the business is profitable. As a woman, I am grateful for the excellent support system that I have at home which helps be focus on work completely when in the office environment.
Who is your role model? Why?
From a professional angle, my mother in law is my role model. She has made it to the top of a (non IT) distribution firm over a period of 30 years filled with hard work and dedication to her career and home. She helps me on a daily basis mold my career growth.
What would you term to be one of your biggest achievements in your career?
The ability to make my team members feel successful and challenged on a daily basis makes me happy. When a member of my team tells me that I have managed the team or any individual well, gives me the most satisfaction and sense of achievement. Besides that, when I see a product that I spent months to develop in the market, show good sales and channel acceptance, I feel a great sense of achievement.
How easy/difficult is it juggling family and work life?
There are no short cuts. It is never easy to manage a demanding job with a household; particularly with one’s own children. There are good days and bad days. But having a strong support system at home and a supportive spouse is essential to make it a success.
What is your advice for young female professionals?
Follow your dreams and never, ever give up. A strong career is built over years of sacrifice, hard work and the right attitude.
What more do companies need to do in order to encourage women to take up top jobs?
I believe companies today are giving women plenty more chances than before. In general, I would encourage to never stereotype any female professional. Companies today offer flexible working hours, the ability to work from home and training/learning courses on the job. All these together make it easier for women to grow and excel in the industry.
