Some career paths are carefully mapped out, while others unfold in ways we never could have predicted. For Melissa Summers, Managing Director at Accenture, a degree in chemical engineering didn’t lead to the job she expected, but it did open the door to an unexpected and fulfilling 30-year career in technology.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Melissa shares her journey from developer to leader, the power of collaboration, and the importance of believing in yourself, especially when others do too. She reminds us that success isn’t just about where you start, but how you navigate the challenges, opportunities, and people you meet along the way. Here’s her story.

Sometimes, the best decisions are ones you debate for hours and plan for months. And sometimes, you can stumble into something completely unexpected that turns into your professional calling.

After graduating with a degree in chemical engineering, I couldn’t find a job in that field and decided to take a chance on IT. What started as a job evolved into a career that has spanned 30 years. My focus on teamwork, collaboration, and believing in myself when others showed they believed in me has allowed me to grow from a developer to an expert to a leader at Accenture. Today, I consider myself a passionate advocate for equity in the technology field.

Life experience often makes women natural collaborators and problem-solvers, and a career in technology is nothing if not solving a procession of challenges. It is critical to recognize that all solutions require a journey – we must always plan for and acknowledge the pit stops along the way. We must voice our opinions and never be afraid to do the right thing, even when it may be the unpopular thing.

Remember, your career is your own. Your priorities are yours to determine and will change over time; it is vital to remain true to yourself. As we all walk this journey through the world of technology, be sure to seek out those who appear to have figured things out and lean on them for advice. I certainly don’t have it all figured out but would welcome opportunities to talk through our respective journeys, find our common grounds, and help each other through whatever comes next!

Melissa Summers | Managing Director at Accenture