Empowering Women to Enter the Tech Industry

The tech field has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated industry over the last few decades. Despite growing awareness of the need for greater gender equality and the obligation for companies to address this issue across their offices and boardrooms, the lack of diversity between the genders is still apparent in the tech industry.

According to research by Accenture, the proportion of women in tech roles compared to men has actually declined over the past 35 years, with 50% of women leaving their roles by the age of 35. Factors such as biases in hiring and limited access to leadership positions are just some of the barriers that women in this industry face today.

Fortunately, women who are considering entering this industry can empower themselves by taking steps to address this underrepresentation. In this article, we will explore strategies and resources women can use to overcome barriers and increase their presence in the tech industry.

Build Your Network

Networking is a great way to make connections and attend events, seminars and workshops that will help women hone their tech skills and offer them valuable insights into the tech industry. By meeting like-minded women who have successfully entered this field and established their careers, they can gain confidence, practical advice and a support network that can assist them throughout their career.

Professional networking organizations such as Women in Tech, AnitaB.org, and Girls in Tech can offer women who are interested in entering the tech industry opportunities to develop their knowledge base and skillset and introduce them to other women within the industry. By becoming a member of a networking group they can also gain access to job opportunities before they are advertised, giving them a valuable advantage and a step ahead in their career.

Look for a Mentor

While federal law mandates both sexes be treated fairly and equally in educational settings with enforcement through Title 9 investigations, women can further empower themselves by looking for a female mentor in the tech field. 

A tech-savvy female who has successfully built a career for herself in the tech field can be an invaluable ally and mentor, who can help women navigate challenges they may face when entering the industry and support them throughout your career. By drawing on their mentor’s experiences and insights, they can avoid common pitfalls, gain practical advice and accelerate their career growth by leveraging the contacts and networks their mentor has already built.

Stay Informed

Women can improve their chances of securing their dream position by remaining up-to-date and informed of recent trends and developments within the area of technology they choose to specialize in.  By subscribing to relevant newsletters and publications, following industry leaders on social media and engaging in tech-related forums and communities online, they can ensure they have their finger on the pulse and remain at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry.

This is also advantageous during recruitment, as potential employers are likely to be impressed by their knowledge and commitment to learning about an area of interest, which can significantly increase their chances of being hired.

By following these suggestions, women can stand out and get the head start they need in the tech industry.