#HERpower is back, spotlighting yet another inspiring woman: Jasmine, hailing from Belgium.
With a lifelong passion for the IT field, Jasmine's journey from language and literature studies to excelling in a top-tier IT company highlights her deep connection to the dynamic digital world.
Ready to dive in and be inspired?
Bio
Jasmine Van de Wiele is someone who has always been fascinated by IT and has decided to become part of this fast-growing and moving sector. Currently, she is an account manager at Lenovo, where she specializes in data center infrastructure. In her free time, she loves music, food, and traveling, and she’s preparing for her honeymoon later this year.
The Conversation
Question: Could you please introduce yourself?
Jasmine: I’m Jasmine, from Belgium. I was born in Vietnam but adopted by a Belgian couple when I was very young, so I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve been with Lenovo for the past six years. Before that, I briefly worked at another IT company called TopDesk. It’s kind of odd because both jobs are in IT, but I don’t have a background in IT studies. I actually studied languages and literature. I’m fluent in French and English, and they always say if you master your languages, then you can do just about any job. I’ve always had an interest in IT, influenced by my parents, friends, and the pervasive role of technology in my life growing up. I’ve always wanted to be where the action is, and that’s in IT companies. So, that’s why I ended up working for an IT company.
Question: What is it about this dynamic in tech that’s so appealing? Isn’t it exhausting?
Jasmine: Actually, it’s quite the opposite. The fast pace gives me energy. Being able to witness and adapt to rapid changes firsthand is exciting. Instead of waiting for changes to happen, we’re at the forefront, where everything is in motion. We can even influence decisions, like identifying market needs and adapting products to meet them. It’s incredibly fulfilling to make a tangible impact and see customers satisfied.
Question: How did you transition from studying literature to entering the tech world? How did you find the opportunity, and what made you seize it?
Jasmine: Well, during my final year of study, there was this big fair where companies were showcasing themselves to recruit new graduates. One of those companies was TopDesk, and their booth was just captivating. It had a sleek design and some cool gadgets. The people there were young and vibrant. That’s what drew me in. As I got to know them, I realized it was the kind of atmosphere I was looking for—dynamic, with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise. I wanted a company that was fast-paced, had an open-minded work culture, and also had a level of maturity. And that’s exactly what I found at IT companies like TopDesk and later at Lenovo.
Question: Can you tell us more about your role at Lenovo? What exactly do you do?
Jasmine: I’ve been with Lenovo for six years now, and during that time, I’ve held various positions. Initially, I started as an inside sales representative, focusing on the Belgian region. In this role, I supported field account managers by managing their schedules, preparing quotations, and handling administrative tasks. Additionally, I took on smaller projects independently. Later on, I transitioned to a full face-to-face account management role, which, surprisingly, didn’t fully suit me. Although I enjoyed interacting with customers and making a difference, I felt the absence of the internal aspect of sales. I realized I thrive when I have control over the entire sales process and prefer a more organized approach. So, two years ago, I decided to pursue a hybrid sales position, which blends the responsibilities of inside and field sales. In this role, I manage the entire sales process, from quoting to customer engagement. While I occasionally visit customers, most of my interactions are conducted remotely, given that my client base spans globally. It’s a dynamic and flexible setup that allows me to effectively manage my responsibilities from my desk.
Question: Given that it’s a hybrid role, how would you summarize it, maybe in a sentence?
Jasmine: I would describe my position as being the voice of the customer inside and outside of the company.
Question: What are the benefits, and could you also share some of the challenges you face in that role?
Jasmine: Well, most women in tech sales have roles that are entirely back-office. They handle administration, create quotations, and work behind the scenes without direct customer interaction. But, in today’s world, some customers still aren’t used to having a female account manager in front of them. Sometimes, I notice that my input as a woman isn’t always taken as seriously as it might be if I were a man.
Question: What helps you navigate this male-dominated world?
Jasmine: I’m fortunate to work for a company that strongly supports women. Interestingly, within my team, there are more females than males in account positions, which is quite empowering. I have excellent examples to look up to, and I see how these women excel in their roles. They’re knowledgeable about their customers and demonstrate it effectively. There’s a difference between telling a customer everything and showing it. I see some of my teammates confidently explain complex details to customers, making them really trust their expertise and skills. When you’re an expert in your field, whether you’re male or female becomes irrelevant.
Question: Do you have any mentors or inspiring figures from your career that you can share with us?
Jasmine: Absolutely. One of my colleagues stands out as a role model for me. She manages a variety of customers, and I’ve learned a great deal from observing how she handles challenging situations. She’s skilled at sharing both positive and negative updates and speaks up for customers within the company. Her approach has taught me valuable lessons in handling difficult scenarios, which unfortunately arise more frequently than we’d prefer.
Question: What strengths do you believe set you apart in your role?
Jasmine: I’m always motivated, and I keep a positive attitude.
Question: How do you balance your work and personal life?
Jasmine: Achieving a perfect work-life balance is tough, especially in IT sales. Sometimes, I have to work long hours, starting at 7 AM and ending at midnight. But it’s all worth it. To maintain balance, I prioritize sports. It helps me disconnect from work and the screen, allowing me to focus solely on physical activity.
Question: And what changes would you like to see to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech sector?
Jasmine: I believe we need to normalize the idea of women working in IT roles. The media always portrays it as a male-dominated field. We should change this perception to show that both men and women can excel in IT. It’s crucial, especially now when technology is so integral to our lives. We need to start this change in schools, where promotional materials often depict men in IT roles. This perception affects career choices. We need a bottom-up approach, with more women in IT roles to advocate for change. Some men recognize that there’s still a significant gap between males and females, while others may not fully grasp the extent of the disparity. Over the past 50 years, women have become more vocal about gender equality, and while progress has been made, there’s still more to be done. We’ve made strides, but there’s still a gap that needs to be addressed, and it might be larger than some realize.
Also, addressing gender pay gaps is essential for true equality.
Question: If you could go back to the start of your career journey, what advice would you give yourself?
Jasmine: I would have pursued a more technical field of study. Honestly, I’ve always been a bit apprehensive about the technical aspects of IT. But looking back, I’d tell my younger self, “Don’t fear it. You’ll learn as you go. Many have done it before, so can you.”
Question: If you could switch jobs with someone for a day, who would you choose and why?
Jasmine: I would like to switch places with my manager for a day. I want to understand their day-to-day responsibilities, managing a diverse team from various countries, backgrounds, and functions.
Question: What are some things you’d like us to know about your background?
Jasmine: Sure, I’ll share a bit about Vietnam, my home country, and Belgium, where I feel at home. In Vietnam, a fun fact is that they enjoy soup for breakfast, called “pho,” a tasty noodle soup. I was surprised by this when I visited at six years old, but it’s delicious, and once you try it, you won’t go back to oatmeal or sandwiches. As for Belgium, I love its diverse architecture. You can find Italian-style houses next to Spanish villas and more. It’s a blend of cultures and backgrounds, which I find fascinating.
Connect with Jasmine
If you wish to connect with Jasmine and learn more, seek advice, or share similar experiences, feel free to reach out to her via LinkedIn.
