The tech industry is constantly developing and full of innovation, thanks to the advancements in the world of technology. It is also a fast-paced and highly flourishing field. This is the reason why it has become one of the most sought-after careers to work in. For women who are looking for a career in technology or a job change, the tech industry can be quite frightening, especially considering the gender gap in tech. Most women are discouraged by society from pursuing a career in the tech industry. The main reason behind it is that the tech industry is a male-dominated one. The reality is having more women in tech industry is the best way to close the gender gap that exists in the industry.
The need for gender diversity in tech jobs
A career in technology is only for men. This is a myth and has been proven by several women working in technology who have made a name for themselves. Gender diversity is crucial, and the tech industry is no different. It has been proven time and again that companies that are diverse and hire both men and women are able to perform better than those where a gender gap exists. Diversity in companies promotes creativity and innovation. Diverse teams deliver better overall performance and come up with new ways of thinking and solving problems. Diversity in tech jobs is essential for organizations that want to stay relevant to their customers, and be competitive in the market.
According to a study by Entelo (Quantifying the Gender Gap), women in tech industry only account for 16% of senior-level tech jobs and occupy just 10% of executive positions.
Another study also indicates that only 16% of females were interested in pursuing a career in technology, compared to 33% of males.
What does it take for women in tech industry to make a successful career?
The best thing about a career in technology is that a woman does not have to be a tech graduate, programmer, or software engineer. Women can get tech jobs even if they don’t have a formal education in technology.
The tech industry is constantly upgrading and consists of different branches and fields. These include:
- Computer programming
- UI/UX design
- Project management
- Product management
- Website management
- Software development
- IT security
- Computer systems analyst
- Database administrator
- Data scientist
- IT manager
- Computer support specialists
. . . and many more.
Here are some useful tips on how women can kick-start their career in technology and be successful.
Do your research
- Women who want to work in technology should do their research thoroughly.
- This means finding out about the various fields and roles in the tech industry where they would be the best fit.
- If you want to make it big in the technology field, you should get in touch with other women in the industry and ask questions about the various career opportunities available in today’s world.
- Conducting research online by reading blogs, watching videos, listening to podcasts, and, of course, talking to women working in technology are some of the best ways to gather information.
- You can also learn about a typical day in the office for women in the technology industry.
Learn some basic practical tech skills
- Prior to applying for tech jobs, it is essential for you to know some basic practical tech skills, especially those that are in-demand at present.
- Thanks to the internet and plenty of online learning courses, learning practical tech skills is not difficult.
- There are several learning platforms that make learning tech skills easy, convenient, and, most importantly, allow you to learn at your own pace.
Planning is crucial
- A job switch into a new career, especially in the tech industry, is not easy and can be quite tedious and time-consuming.
- Once you have decided that you want to make a career in technology, you need to have a plan of action with timelines.
- Proper planning will help you stay focused on your goals and inspired as well.
Apply for tech jobs with small companies and startups
- There are a lot of startups and small companies in the tech industry that are hiring individuals not just with tech knowledge and skills but with other talents as well.
- Basically, these companies need people who are all-rounders and can be versatile in performing different roles within the organization.
- For those women who are planning a transition in their career, applying for tech jobs in startups is the best way forward.
Find companies that promote diversity
- The gender gap in tech industry is known to everyone.
- If you are planning to apply for tech jobs, it would be best to shortlist companies that promote diversity and have women in top management.
- Sending your resume directly to women in tech industry who occupy leadership positions or connecting with them on networking platforms like LinkedIn can serve as the point of entry that you are looking for.
- Women who are already in leadership roles will understand the challenges that you may be facing.
- If you qualify and are the best fit for the job, they may definitely hire you.
Fortune favors the brave
- The women in tech industry who have made a name for themselves have taken risks at some point or another in their career in technology.
- Women working in technology or planning to do so must be prepared to take risks.
- If you are willing to take risks, you are definitely going to have a successful career in technology.
- Every risk may not pay off, but you will always learn from your failures.
Networking is crucial
- Networking is important for you to stay updated with the latest tech trends and what businesses in the tech industry demand.
- Attending tech-related events and conferences is also a great way of getting in touch with contacts in the industry.
- Networking will also help you meet other women in tech industry who are professionals and even business owners.
Technology is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand industries across the globe. Empowering women in the technology industry is critical for organizations, as the industry requires more female leaders to inspire a billion others to pursue careers in technology. In terms of making tech jobs more welcoming to women, the tech industry still has a long way to go. Begin your journey in the tech industry today. Just go for it and take the next step in your career search or make the change to a career in technology today.
