In this special edition of our Empowered Women of Dealer Teamwork series approaching International Women’s Day, we’re proud to showcase the incredible women who are driving innovation and shaping the future of the automotive industry. Navigating the modern workplace requires resilience, adaptability, and a constant drive to learn. But what happens when your career path takes an unexpected turn? As we celebrate the diverse talents and contributions of women across all industries, we’re able to shine a light one such transformation in this article: From English Teacher to Technology Leader – Sit Down and Power Up with Amy Pittman

From Teaching to Trailblazing

Originally pursuing a career in education, Amy’s passion for technology led her to pivot towards software development. After completing a coding bootcamp, she joined Dealer Teamwork, drawing on the opportunity to build software that solves real-world problems and marking the beginning of a rewarding career in automotive technology.

She said, “I didn’t anticipate how much I’d enjoy working in the automotive industry, but here I am over six years later with no shortage of complex and fun problems to work on!”

Solving Complex Problems and Making a Difference

Amy’s contributions to Dealer Teamwork have been significant, particularly her role in the migration to Google Analytics 4 as well as the recent and largest scale new products launch in the company’s recent history. These major projects required collaboration across multiple departments and involved a deep understanding of the automotive industry, digital advertising, and analytics. Amy’s expertise and guidance were instrumental in their successful completion.

The Importance of Mentorship and Networking

Amy acknowledges the importance of mentorship and networking in her career growth. She met her mentor, Jeff Camozzi, Dealer Teamwork’s Chief Technology Officer, early in her own career transition and credits him for providing invaluable support and guidance throughout her journey. This is just one example of how building strong professional relationships with others across industries can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into intersecting paths.

Advice for Aspiring Women in Tech 

For women looking to break into the automotive industry, Amy’s advice is simple: “Ask more questions than you answer.” By demonstrating curiosity and a willingness to learn, you can establish yourself as a valuable asset to any team. She added, “The ability to dig in and get to the root of problems or gain clarity is incredibly valuable.” This approach has proven helpful in her career, allowing her to gain a deeper understanding of complex problems and demonstrate her expertise.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Confidence

As a woman in not one, but two male-dominated industries, Amy faced some challenges. Earlier in her career, she often felt overlooked and her input disregarded; however, she learned to adjust her communication style to project confidence and practice healthy assertion. By consistently demonstrating her abilities and effectively delivering her ideas and knowledge, she has more than earned the respect of her peers and colleagues and now helps lead a team of equally adept developers whose combined talent continues to advance the patented technology of automotive’s premier digital advertising provider, Dealer Teamwork. 

Beyond the Technology: A Practical Approach to Cars

While Amy is a skilled software development manager, she also has a practical side. When asked about her favorite car, she prioritizes safety, reliability, and comfort. As a Minnesota resident, she particularly values features like four-wheel drive, remote start, and heated seats to weather the harsh winters. Her Mazda CX-5 is the perfect fit! 

This glimpse into Amy Pittman’s story is the perfect example of how women can excel in careers within the technology and automotive industries, or even both at the same time, regardless if their backgrounds may seem unconventional. Her passion for problem-solving, dedication to her work, and ability to overcome challenges have made her a valuable asset and a role model for aspiring women in business at large.