Meet Stefanie Bowles – People Not Products

Fresh from achieving her Masters Degree, our People Not Products team interview series continues with Stefanie Bowles, Digital Automation & Enablement Lead at Aspen Solutions. Her role now also covers system improvements, bespoke development projects, policy writing, training and enablement, automation, and AI. 

Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to Aspen Solutions?

My career journey has been what I like to call the ‘scenic route’! My first career was in travel and tourism which started when I did my first Working Holiday Visa at 18. That career let me spend years living abroad and took me across jobs in the USA, New Zealand, Australia, and UK. I loved creating memorable experiences for people.

As more of the world moved online, I found that love of creating smooth and memorable experiences moved too. I started focusing on the digital journeys that staff and guests would take, which led me to return to university a second time and shift my career. 

So at 30 years old (and during the height of Covid), I quit my job and went back to school! Through my undergraduate degree (BSc Interaction Design) and master’s degree (MSc User Experience Design) programmes, I realised my passion for system design, interaction design, automation, and data. It was during these years at school that I was able to take part in the Saltire Scholarship Program in 2024. I joined Aspen Solutions as a summer intern to help them set up and launch a new CRM, and two years later I’m still here!

What does a typical day in your role look like, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My role is always growing and changing, which keeps things exciting! What started with preparing a CRM for launch has grown into managing the platform and its integrations, including custom APIs. My role now also covers system improvements, bespoke development projects, policy writing, training and enablement, automation, and AI. 

There are so many different facets of the role, but they all feed into each other, and that is the most interesting part for me – being part of the big picture and the granular detail. I get to work closely with all the departments too and see how the projects I work on have an impact, so that is always really rewarding.

What’s been your most memorable moment or achievement at Aspen Solutions so far?

There have been quite a few (which is great!) but if I had to choose one, it would be coming full circle in my internship journey. I started as a Saltire Scholars Intern and was kept on while I finished my master’s degree and then brought on full-time after graduation.

This year, I had a Saltire Scholar of my own, and being able to be on the mentor/leadership side of that coin was really rewarding. That intern also stayed with Aspen, so we must be doing something right!

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?

So many transferrable skills would hold you in good stead, but I think the biggest are:

• Attention to detail: When you are building something, every click, interaction, and system process matters.
• Listening and empathy: Understanding the needs of users and stakeholders, as well as the limitations of the technology you’re working with, helps inform better design decisions right from the start.
• Self-motivation and ownership: I am not part of a large department, so I need to be very driven and motivated to push things forward and bring ideas to the table.

There are lots of skills that can be taught (such as coding, how to use software, etc), but certain intrinsic skills will set you up for real success in this type of role, and the right company will foster that growth!

How would you describe the culture at Aspen Solutions, and what makes it a great place to work?

Aspen is a genuinely driven workplace, and that ‘we can do it’ mentality resonates with everyone in the business. There is no problem too big, no issue unsolvable, and we hold ourselves to a high standard, both internally and in the services we provide to our customers.

It’s really cool to be part of a company that is growing quickly and willing to invest in itself and its people – I really think it’s the key to success, and to watch that happen in real time is rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in your field?

Don’t count yourself out before you’ve started. You’re never too late to change careers, especially into technology which is ever-expanding and growing! Build your core skills – the technology will change but that empathy, that attention to detail, that drive – these skills will always be relevant and will allow you to adapt with the industry and the tools as they come (and go).

When you’re not at work, how do you like to unwind and relax?

I am always building something! While it’s systems and solutions at work, I like to step away from the screen in my downtime. I recently got into woodwork! I built my own bookcase and am currently building a bespoke standing desk for my home setup, and then new dining chairs are next on the list!

Otherwise, I adore travelling (just back from Japan!), going to local events and festivals, spending time with family and friends, and home DIY (a weekend spent reflooring the kitchen is my idea of a good time!)

Our thanks to Stefanie for a great interview! You can connect with Stefanie on LinkedIn by clicking here.

If we can we help your business with cloud based solutions, cyber security, IT support or print management – please get in touch at hello@aspensolutions.co.uk

Keep up-to-date on the latest team news, events and products by following our LinkedIn page or by subscribing to our newsletter by clicking here.