In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a TechWomen100 Award.
Now in their fifth year, the TechWomen100 Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in tech – the emerging tech talent and role models for the future.
We spoke with Chloe Crutchlow, who won a TechWomen100 Award in 2020.
I am a 25 year old Analytical Measurement Technologies Engineer working at Jaguar Land Rover, overseeing maintenance, fault finding and rectification, and calibration activities on 8 Chassis Dynamometer test cell (some of which are used to certify vehicles against legislation to enable JLR to sell vehicles). So far in 2021, I have completed my Degree Apprenticeship with JLR, achieving a Distinction grade in my Level 6 Control / Technical Specialist Engineer Apprenticeship Framework, and a First Class grade in my Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Degree. I moved from Apprentice to Engineer, and now informally supervise and manage two technicians and a fitter whilst working on shift. Once I receive my certificates and official qualifications, I will be applying for Incorporated Engineer accreditation with an engineering institute. I am also currently in the process of buying my first house!
How did you feel when it was announced that you’d won a TechWomen100 award?
I was very surprised and happy when the awards were announced – I had applied on a whim as wasn’t sure how well I would do as I was still an apprentice at the time. I felt proud to represent Women in Technology, and of myself for the work that I’d done being recognised by a party external to Jaguar Land Rover. I didn’t stop talking about it for a good few days!
Please tell us what has happened in your career since winning the TechWomen100 award?
Since winning the TechWomen100 award, I have been featured on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio, discussing my award wins and women in engineering. I also won the regional finals of the MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards 2020 for the ‘Midlands and East’, and featured as a finalist in the National Awards due to this. I was also a finalist apprentice in the Everywoman in Technology Awards 2021. The Women in Engineering and Allies Network at JLR featured me in their newsletter, and I was featured in the internal JLR magazine ‘Pioneer’, with a fellow JLR award winner. I have nominated others in my team for awards and internal recognition, and moved from an apprentice to an engineer within my team, as I completed by Degree Apprenticeship.
What advice would you give to someone else going through the award’s process?
I would recommend that you get others to read your application form / watch your application video, as people can give you hints/tips/tell you something you may have overlooked and left out. Be yourself and show your passions, be proud of your work and showcase yourself to the judges! Ensure you have a good mix of academic, work, experience and outside-of-work points to state, and don’t worry about asking people for references – it can be daunting, but the outcome is worth it. Persevere and don’t fret too much if you don’t progress within an award’s judging process – there are lots to apply for throughout your career!
What tips would you give to our other members to enhance their careers?
I would recommend becoming involved with networks or associations at your place of work or study, to meet likeminded people and discuss experiences, opportunities like this, and more. Apply for awards, get the experience, and communicate with others. Try to publicise yourself, via networks, LinkedIn, social media, and look into how you can make yourself stand out – professional accreditation for example. Most of all, be yourself, have fun and try your best!
Discover what happened next for some of our other TechWomen100 winners:
“I submitted my self-nomination without much expectation as I thought I would be too junior and inexperienced for the award so I was shocked when I found out I was shortlisted as the 10 other amazing finalists from PwC were all much more senior than me. Winning the award was an absolute honour. I was over the moon as I did not expect to get that far, and it really encouraged me to trust in my capability and empowered me to make more contributions to the Women in Tech community.”
Nina Ma, TechWomen100 winner 2019
“Since winning the award I have been approached to a speak at the DX summit centred around digital transformation. It is a great opportunity to share the stage with people at the forefront of the Tech industry. Along with the organisers I will be providing a number of tickets to my wider network, in hopes this will provide insights to different emerging technologies including RPA/AI, IoT, Blockchain and Smart Homes to young women in various stages of their Tech career.
After the TechWomen100 award, I was nominated as a WATC ‘Rising Star’ in the technology category. I am excited by the opportunity to get to know the other nominees and expand my network.”
TechWomen100Nominations are now open
The TechWomen100 awards are the first of their kind to focus solely on the female tech talent pipeline and recognise the impact of champions, companies and networks that are leading the way. Nominations are now open until 10 September 2021.
