Adding the human touch to technology 

Suzana Skroch, Master of Business Analytics

Where it all started

I love to fix and improve things. When I started thinking about my career, I knew I wanted to work in an industry that embraced innovation. That led me to the technology field. I was excited about the prospect of working in a challenging field. At the age of 17, I completed a diploma in information technology. One year later, I started studying a Bachelor of System Analysis while working as a business analyst at the car manufacturer, Renault.

I have always worked in multinational industries such as Volvo and BRF, where I specialised in process improvement, innovation and digital transformation. My role involved using technology to digitalise and improve process efficiency so that teams could focus on adding value to the business.

When you’re trying to introduce new technology into an organisation, there’s a human factor. You can’t just have technical knowledge; you need to be able to help people understand its benefits and how to adopt it. To help me foster a culture of change and understand the psychological dynamic of different organisations, I studied a Master of Organisation Psychology that focused on leadership and management. The strategies I learned helped me to add a “human touch in tech”.

"When you’re trying to introduce new technology into an organisation, there’s a human factor. You can’t just have technical knowledge, you need be able to help people understand its benefits and how to adopt it."

Since high school, I have been part of the IT community (outside my work) in Brazil. I volunteered with the Google Business Group and Google Development Group where I helped launch emerging technologies. I also gave lectures to local and international industries and mentored younger professionals. For me, it’s always a pleasure to share my experiences and inspire others to embrace digital transformation in their work.

My current work

I’m currently working as a business analyst at Ngala, a non-for-profit organisation that offers services to enhance the well-being and development of children, parents, families and communities. I am helping them build their Data Governance from scratch with invaluable support from my leaders and colleagues. The challenge of creating something from the ground up is one I enjoy being part of.

I continue to be an active participant in the IT community here in Perth. This year, I was honoured to be a panellist at Her Tech Circle, where I had the opportunity to share my experiences and hear inspiring stories from other women in the industry. Conversations like these create connection, encouragement and real motivation for women in tech, a flag that I stand for.

The challenges I face

At one stage in my career back in Brazil, I found myself working in an environment where many people, including myself, were struggling with high stress levels, anxiety and even burnout. The workload and pressure were overwhelming, and I realised my own mental health was being affected.

To deal with this tough situation, I started therapy sessions, getting regular health check-ups, practising self-care, building healthier habits and career mentoring. However, I needed to change not only how I dealt with the problematic environment, but also ‘remove it’ from my life. At this moment, I had to summon the courage to make a difficult decision - to leave a well-known company that I was proud to be part of to protect my long-term health and emotional well-being.

Looking back, it was a tough choice but the right one. It taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of balancing professional growth with personal health.

Balancing study and work can be a challenge, but there are many tools and resources to help you plan and stay organised. I have my priorities well defined and use a calendar to list the study commitments for the next three months. I review it every week and allocate time for leisure, exercise and rest, which supports my routine and mental health.

Looking ahead

Within the next few years, my goal is to move into a management role, where I can oversee technology and process landscapes at a more senior level while also empowering others to grow and succeed. I still have a lot to learn, but also heaps to share, and I believe stepping into management will give me the opportunity to transform not only businesses but also people’s careers and lives. That combination of technical leadership and people development is one of my passions.

My advice about working in IT

Information Technology is a broad area where there are many different fields and roles you can pursue. My advice is to explore everything that you’re interested in, and as soon as you find a role that you’re passionate about and/or good at, develop the relevant knowledge and skills to become an expert. With any new path, course or position, find out whether they align with your long-term goals.

Technology evolves quickly, so try to learn something new every week; otherwise, you will be left behind. Expand your knowledge and read IT industry insights from different companies across the globe.

Expand your knowledge beyond technology! Study economics, management, how businesses work and how to make strategic decisions to help you understand how your role delivers value to the company and help you plan your career growth within and/or outside your current employer.

Ensure you have allies, partners, colleagues and friends in the same profession with whom you can chat, discuss and build things with. Everyone needs support, and by having a mentor - someone who can share their experience, mistakes and successes to guide your career path - is a clever way to do that.

Lastly, never stop studying! Be humble to always learn from others, and at the same time, teach others – it is a wonderful way to give back to the world.

Want to connect with Suzana?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanaskroch/

Become a graduate in demand with our Master of Business Analytics. Step into a high-growth industry where you’ll make a big impact on business decisions.  