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Meet Becca, a data engineer on our Raleigh, North Carolina Technology Services team. Becca transitioned from project management to data engineering last year. Her day-to-day view? Be full of passion to learn, contribute and thrive. Read on to explore how Becca embraces her neurodivergent thinking style to approach solutions in unique ways, bringing thoughtful improvements and automations to clients.

Becca, tell us a bit about yourself.

In 2019, I began my journey into the banking world as an intern in the Project Management Office. I've learned a lot since then, and my path continues to be exciting. I love my work, including everything from identifying places for systemic and process improvements, to implementing solutions successfully.

I'm autistic and have several other conditions and disabilities, including an information processing disorder, ADHD, Bipolar II Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with dermatillomania, a hearing impairment and seronegative arthritis, where the treatment makes me immunocompromised. These unique characteristics, stemming from my neurodivergence and disabled experience, shape who I am today.

But technology wasn’t an obvious career choice for you from the very beginning.

Indeed, it wasn’t. I was a Marine Science major at the University of South Carolina and worked in dolphin and sea turtle research, rescue and rehabilitation. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and then Bipolar II, OCD, and dermatillomania as a teenager. I lost a university research assistantship due to complications arising from an additional undiagnosed health condition. This experience, of not being able to explain many of the challenges I faced at work, ultimately led to my clinical diagnosis of autism at the age of 23.

How did this experience affect you?

After leaving university and returning home, I wasn’t sure what my next steps should be as I was still trying to understand both myself and what happened. Interviews for corporate jobs were challenging. I started working in the fast food industry, and that was my full-time job for three years. This was initially a good fit and I was promoted three times. However, I started to get tired and was ready for a change.

After receiving the autism diagnosis, I began looking for neurodiversity employment programs that could place me in a new role. I joined a state-sponsored employment support program in North Carolina, which presented an internship opportunity in banking technology.

So, what were your first steps working in tech?

I initially joined the Project Management Office (PMO) as an intern, having no project management experience or knowledge. I felt that failure wasn't an option. I learned a lot, and also realized something important – I love learning new skills. My performance and impact was quickly recognized, and after an internship I received a full-time, permanent offer.

Tell us about your current role. What do you like about it?

I’ve moved from the PMO into a role as a data engineer, where I constantly acquire new skills, which I really enjoy, as repetitive tasks can cause boredom. This is very common with ADHD, a cognitive condition characterized by low dopamine levels. What I like the most about the current role is the challenge of learning an entirely new field and designing solutions based on client needs.

What helps you to manage the work on a daily basis?

I have a flexible working arrangement that allows working from home during the hours that work best for me. I take breaks when needed and pick up again when ready. While some people prefer 9-5, I work better with more flexibility. Additional workplace solutions in my home office include a whiteboard desktop, controlled lighting and temperature, and a surround music system, which all helps me to work smoothly.