Datacom’s Account Director Rafa Manna discusses her incredible career in Technology which spans nearly 20 years and covers multiple industries as well as sharing her top tips for success.
The daughter of Professors Rafa identified early on that she wanted her future career to be analytical and preferred working with numbers. This was the start of her passion for Technology.
‘Growing up in Brazil, which was densely populated and highly competitive, I knew I had to work hard to succeed’
Rafa began her studies in Telecommunications Engineering. She was keen to start applying her skills and as fate would have it an intern opportunity arose in Infrastructure Solutions as opposed to Engineering, which began her career in Tech!
After her internship Rafa accepted a grad role with an Oil and Gas company in their Research Department. She was responsible for everything in their Datacentre. After a few years Rafa made the move from Rio to San Paulo and took a role at a large Bank during a merger, an incredibly challenging role ‘I was working 16-18 hour days, I always say I aged 10 years in that 1!’. Despite the challenges this role offered Rafa extensive learning and development. She broadened her skills in Performance, Management, Capacity planning and Change management while being responsible for everything that was running on top of the IBM Servers and Operational systems like the Data warehouse, Business Intelligence, Transformation tools, Databases and Storage. This was a huge and demanding role but one that offered rewarding growth.
After some time Rafa knew she wanted a new direction, so spent her nights studying to complete her MBA in People Management and Leadership. This led her on a new path in Tech Service Lab as an Opportunity account lead. After several years Rafa decided to apply for her PR in Australia.
While in Australia Rafa continued her career with one of the global organisations, she had already extensive experience with as an Account Manager. Then fortunately for Datacom, felt she wanted more. Rafa soon started her new journey with Datacom. This role has meant Rafa can deliver for her clients in a more holistic way. She gets to work closely with Delivery, Project and Technical managers to ensure the best for her clients.
All in all, Rafa’s career has been one of transformation, continued learning and a genuine passion for Technology. ‘You have to be passionate. Technology gives you a platform to reach people and change lives. You must stay interested. For a successful career you have to want to read, learn and surround yourself with new trends and innovation. When you keep your brain active and engaged it keeps you young!’