Jenny Tomblin
BSc Mathematics, 1984
Managing Director, Mojoe Partners
We ensure that Microsoft and partner teams intrinsically want to work together to deliver joint value to their clients. We ensure that both Microsoft and the partner have knowledgeable motivated sales, presales & technical people that truly believe in the partnership and skilled teams that ensure project success. This means that we are working to bring teams together on a daily basis – holding meetings with Microsoft, Teams calls, workshops and customer events.
What is the best thing about what you are doing now?
We love working with people. People bring success to every IT project. If a customer is happy with the work that Microsoft and their partner has done, that gains more success for Microsoft and the partner. So, for many years, I have worked to make people successful with technology.
What made you interested in your current role?
Companies like Microsoft, Oracle and SAP base their success on partners. I started my business 13 years ago to help companies partner successfully with Microsoft, and I have never looked back. It all comes down to ensuring that Microsoft and their sales people trust the partner, and that means that you have to bring people along with you.
How has your career developed since graduating?
After I graduated I moved to Reading to work for a small software house. I started in programming but soon moved into customer support and training. Meaning that I could work with people, and their interaction and application of technology vs the technology itself.
What motivates you?
I love working with people and I love to see people being successful. I am now working to help kids get into IT as it's a huge growing opportunity for them to build a successful career, and they don’t have to be technical either!
What skills you learned from degree or time at University would you say you use most in your job?
I loved Maths and Birmingham has a highly respected Maths Degree. I also came from Birmingham. Originally my family didn’t want me to go to University; in those days there weren't many girls! I convinced them by saying that I would stay in Birmingham. Luckily I was sponsored by Dunlop to go, as we wouldn’t have been able to afford it either. I managed to live in Halls of Residence in my first year and then with fellow students in Dawlish Rd for my 2nd and 3rd year, so it felt like I was away from home.
What are your fondest memories of the University?
Birmingham is an exciting City and I introduced all my fellow students to Birmingham's clubs and pubs ;-) Working where UB40 and Duran Duran would play (I know that's ages ago!) but the culture and music is amazing. I used to love studying next to the Lake on campus, and in Birmingham library (which has to be seen to be believed). My fondest days were when we took all my friends on a coach on a pub crawl to Bewdley on my 21st birthday ;-) and hired boats in Stratford at the end of term.
Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?
I worked hard and socialised hard. Sadly, I didn’t get involved in any activities as I felt I should be working, which was crazy. Always get involved. Looking back, I would have taken more time out to get involved in society and sports. My Maths degree got me into IT, as it will today, so I was OK but I was lucky too.
What was your biggest influence?
My best friend told me ‘the biggest thing you have got out of University is your independence’, so I took the opportunity to move away from Birmingham and start my career in the IT industry in the Thames Valley. I worked with a bunch of other grads at the time and we travelled all over Europe, America and the Far East. It was the best advice I've ever had. Uni does give you that independence and it can springboard you to so many career opportunities.
What advice would you give to current students?
Never say no – try everything that interests you. On your course, choose modules that interest you and follow your passion. For extracurricular, stretch yourself to try new things. With a technical degree, take the opportunity to do things outside that show that you can work well with people.
“Take the opportunity to connect with future employers at every step e.g. set-up a LinkedIN profile and share your projects and experiences. We can learn so much from you – we want to hear what you are doing.”