Studying education at university, Emma Scott didn’t initially plan on building a career in distribution. But after taking on an office-based role at Express Data, which was later acquired by Dicker Data, she quickly found herself drawn into the world of technology, software licensing and product management.
“I started out in purchasing at Express Data, then moved through different roles before finding my way into software licensing, product management and eventually marketing. Product management gave me exposure to a bit of everything, marketing, operations and vendor engagement, but over the past few years, I’ve really focused on the marketing side of things.”
Today, Emma’s role sits firmly in the marketing space within our Dicker Data Access and Surveillance team (DAS), with a strong focus on delivering events that help vendors connect with partners in meaningful and memorable ways.
“My role is very event focused. We can run around 35 to 40 events a quarter, so it’s busy and varied. No two events are the same, one day we might be organising a vendor tech update, the next an incentive trip, whiskey tasting or gin tasting. It all depends on what we want to achieve with the vendor.”
For Emma, the pace and variety of the role are a big part of what makes it rewarding, but it’s the people around her that make the biggest difference.
“We have a great team, and that culture is really important to me. Everyone is willing to help each other out, get involved and do whatever it takes to make things happen. I also love the variety, no two days look the same, and I’m never bored.”
That team-first approach also plays an important role in how Emma thinks about successful events.
"We put a lot of thought into designing events that deliver real value for our partners. Whether it's helping them build new capabilities, gain certifications, explore emerging opportunities or connect with the right experts, every event is created with a clear purpose.
Having moved through a range of roles across distribution, Emma’s career has been shaped by a willingness to try new things and learn from the people around her.
“When you’re starting out, it’s good to stay open to different opportunities. Even if you’re not sure something is for you, give it a go. It’s also really important to work with people you enjoy, because you spend a lot of time at work. When you build good relationships, people are often generous with their time and willing to teach you.”
Now working within the Dicker Data DAS business, Emma has also gained a new appreciation for a part of the technology industry that people interact with every day, often without realising it.
“DAS is all about security, surveillance and access. It covers the things people interact with every day but might not always notice, cameras, alarms, CCTV and access control for buildings. It’s technology that plays an important role in keeping people and places secure.”
Outside of work, Emma is happiest when she’s outdoors, with walking becoming one of her favourite ways to unwind and explore the coastline around her home.
“I love walking, especially long coastal walks. One of my favourites is the Otford to Bundeena walk, which is around 30 kilometres. It’s spectacular because you move through rainforest, green hills, coastline and rugged bush, it’s so varied, and I love being outside.”
Reflecting on her career so far, Emma says distribution has been a generous and supportive place to grow, and she feels fortunate to have found her way back to Dicker Data, having left the company in 2021, returning three years later.
“I feel fortunate to be back at Dicker Data. It’s a great environment to work in, and while the DAS business is a little different because we have so many branches, it’s a great team to be part of. Overall, I’ve found distribution to be a generous industry. People are willing to help, share their knowledge and go the extra mile, which has made it a great environment to learn and grow throughout my career.”
Visit Emma and the wider DAS team at TechX, register here.
Learn more about careers at Dicker Data and our current opportunities here.
