Jess Strachan: from student to TechWomen100 shortlist

Jess’ journey through the tech industry hasn’t always been smooth.

Journey in tech

It’s a story filled with determination, resilience, and a passion for growth. After completing her BTEC in Graphic Design, Jess found herself at a crossroads. She was eager to start earning money but soon realised that her initial role in retail wasn’t fulfilling her creative aspirations. The fear of student debt loomed large, but deep down, she knew she needed to return to education to truly harness her skills and potential.

After two years of working her way up in retail, Jess made the brave decision to return to school as a mature student. This leap of faith was not easy; it required immense courage and commitment. Over the next three years, she immersed herself in her university studies, honing her craft and expanding her knowledge base. Just when she thought she had secured her future with a Junior Graphic Designer position, life threw her a curveball—she was let go just weeks before graduation. This setback was devastating and massively shook her confidence.

Growth at Rawnet

However, Jess refused to let this setback define her. With a newfound determination, she pivoted towards frontend development, an area that intrigued her but felt daunting at first. The thought of learning to code was intimidating but instead of succumbing to fear, she embraced the challenge. In no time, she fell in love with coding and the endless possibilities it offered.

In 2017, Jess joined Rawnet Digital Agency as a Junior Developer. This was a pivotal moment in her career. At Rawnet, she found herself surrounded by inspiring female managers who played a crucial role in her development. Their mentorship helped her evolve from someone who barely understood jQuery to a confident developer with expertise in Vanilla Javascript and experience working on complex React and Vue projects. The collaborative environment at Rawnet allowed Jess to appreciate the diverse talents that contribute to successful projects, reinforcing her belief that teamwork is essential for innovation.

Expanding horizons and initiatives

In 2021, Jess sought to push herself even further by reconnecting with her former lecturers at Farnborough College of Technology / University Centre Farnborough. This initiative led her to join the Industry Committee, where she engaged in meaningful discussions about current technologies and trends that would shape the curriculum for future students. It wasn’t long before she was invited to lecture part-time on Web Design and Development—a role that terrified and excited her!

Stepping into the classroom for the first time in January 2022 was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. She poured her heart into creating engaging lesson plans, mentoring students, and fostering an environment where they felt empowered to explore their creativity in tech. Balancing this new role with her responsibilities as a senior UI developer at Rawnet was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It ignited a passion within her—not just for coding but for inspiring young women to pursue careers in development.

This passion led Jess to establish the Rawnet Academy, an initiative designed to provide students with structured work experiences at the agency. By collaborating with various departments within Rawnet, she created opportunities for students that went beyond traditional internships. The academy has since formed partnerships with esteemed institutions like Royal Holloway University and Bracknell & Wokingham College, further solidifying its impact on aspiring tech professionals.

A bright future ahead

Jess’s exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was shortlisted out of 1300+ nominations for the Tech Women 100 award by WeAreTechWomen, putting her in the top 15% of nominees. This is a significant recognition of her influence in the tech community and is not just a testament to her hard work, but also highlights her dedication to empowering others.

Looking ahead, Jess Strachan’s future in the tech industry is incredibly bright! With her diverse skill set, unwavering passion for education, and proven leadership through initiatives like Rawnet Academy, she is poised to continue making waves in the field. As she inspires and mentors the next generation of tech professionals—especially women—there’s no doubt that Jess will leave an indelible mark on both the industry and those fortunate enough to learn from her.

Jess' story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can lead to new beginnings and that with determination and support, anyone can carve out their path in technology. Her journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it takes her next!