Mikya Rozner

Current Role: Product Manager

Being a non-tech person in a tech world.

Learn how Mikya found her career path in tech, and how she’s now helping others do the same. Discover why working at Tesco really lives up to the hype, how she’s breaking stereotypes, and what’s kept Mikya here longer than anywhere else.

“I got into tech by chance. I was at university, trying to figure out my purpose and what I want to achieve in this life. I had a great mentor who said, "If you want to do anything, go and be in the business world, and understand how big companies work.” I saw an opportunity to do a Business Management graduate scheme at another tech firm. Then I joined Tesco. And I’ve been here for just over three years now.

I’m a Product Manager in the Tesco Labs team. We focus on innovation, and how we can create change and impact. We spend a lot of time learning about different parts of the business and new technologies. Our role is about seeing the potential in things and being open to opportunities. In this area of work, it's not always easy to have the answer or convince people to believe in your vision. You need to have a certain level of persuasion, and be self-motivated and positive.

“Our role is about seeing the potential.”

My job is to work with our engineers and others in the team to explore ideas and develop new services that make life easier for Tesco customers. We work with emerging tech that’s new to retail and the world. We find a use case in the business and once we’ve discovered something has potential, we work together to build, test and launch it.

The work is a big reason I’d encourage someone to join the Tech team at Tesco. We get to influence millions of lives and that’s super powerful in my mind. And I really like that it’s not hierarchical. We engage with senior leaders quite often, and it’s about delivering a project and making a difference – not about who’s more important in the room.

“We get to influence millions of lives and that’s super powerful.”

We’re actually quite a small team of about 25, including people in Central Europe. It’s a great balance of product, project and software engineering skills. There are a variety of personalities on the team, but our core values are similar. While we’re not all based in the UK, we connect through regular chats, relying on each other to build and manage each project.

It's about being open-minded and positive, and being comfortable in challenging ourselves and each other. And we don’t just come to work to get the job done and then go home. We're quite open with each other and we all get on, which is great. We make a real effort to know more about each other’s personal lives, which makes a big difference for me.

“There are a variety of personalities on the team, but our core values are similar.”

When I first joined, I still had a lot to learn. Product management can cover so many different responsibilities and roles. I had to understand what it meant at Tesco. Everyone has been helpful and patient, explaining things in a simple way so that I can do my best work. My manager and team have been a great help on my journey, and I’ve received so much guidance and support with my goals for the future.

That support extends to my life outside of work too. I have family abroad and they’ve had their health struggles, particularly during the pandemic. Everyone has been supportive of me gaining the flexibility so that I can still feel close to my family. Not having to compromise on those relationships has been a big part of my commitment to Tesco.

“I’ve received so much guidance and support with my goals for the future.”

It's really important to break stereotypes. Today, I know more about tech than the average person, but that's because I've accumulated knowledge over time and in the right environment. It's not something I grew up with, and I didn't play computer games as a kid. It’s why I do a lot with TechSheCan to inspire young women and girls, showing that you just need to have the right values and drive, and an interest in learning more.

Before I joined, I was told the biggest reason to work here was the people. Now I know it wasn’t just hype. This is the longest I’ve stayed in a role and organisation, and I’m looking forward to my future and long-term career at Tesco. It’s the culture and team that keep me here. I've really loved it.

Being part of our Technology team means you get the time and tools to try new things. Like the ideas that make life a little better for our customers and colleagues. And the career progression that makes life a little better for you, too.