Women in tech have long been undervalued and underrepresented in the workplace. As per statistics, women in tech account for fewer than 40 percent of the worldwide workforce, of which 25 percent of professional IT jobs are in the United States alone. In addition, 45 percent of women in technology say men outnumber them at work by a 4-to-1 or larger ratio.
However, research showed that companies with at least 10 percent women on company boards have 2.5 to 5 percent higher returns on equity. Similarly, companies where 30 percent of the executive team comprises women have 15 percent higher profitability than others.
Following these statistics, many organizations have worked hard to help women advance in their jobs and prosper in a male-dominated tech environment. Resultingly, many women in tech got the opportunity to thrive and reach leadership positions.
Here are a few pointers that have worked for women in tech at leadership positions over the years and might work for you as well.
Let’s dive in.
Women in Tech: Face challenges head-on
Women in Tech: Face challenges head-on
According to Skillsoft’s 2021 Women in Tech report, women in tech continue to confront several employment problems that have traditionally persisted in the IT industry. Lack of pay parity was cited as the most pressing issue by most leaders, followed by work-life balance, career opportunity, and skill training.
Similarly, according to a survey by Qualtrics and The Board list, 34 percent of males working remotely with children at home were promoted during the pandemic, compared to nine percent of women in the same scenario. What’s more, 26 percent of men received an appraisal during the same period, compared to 13 percent of women.
These numbers serve as a reminder that the road to equality is long and twisty. So, be persistent and don’t lose sight of your goals amid hardships. In certain situations, when you can’t reach the goals, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps. For example, a persistent software developer doesn’t give up on a software malfunction. They find the root cause and don’t just address the symptoms of the problem even if it takes six months instead of the planned two months.
Taking a break from work for caregiving—be it for children, or aging parents—is unavoidable for many women in tech and in other fields.
So, it’s important for women in tech to maintain a curious and flexible mindset throughout their careers. For example, your last job in product development may have vanished since you left the industry, or perhaps you’ve reached a place in your career where you no longer enjoy the same work.
Ask yourself the following questions- Are your current skills transferable to a new position? Are there any abilities you’ve acquired or could gain that would allow you to switch to a different career path?
While pivoting and redesigning your career can be intimidating, it can pay out handsomely in the long run. So, re-evaluate your plan, set new goals, and move forward without fear.
According to a recent BCG study, men stay connected to their mentors for 15 percent longer than women, and they benefit from these links tremendously.
A mentor or former colleague can open new career opportunities when they move to a different organization. They can let you know about job openings, put a good word for you, and even forward your resume to senior hiring managers.
So don’t be afraid to seek guidance from someone with more expertise and understanding in a subject that interests you. People with experience and prestige are far more willing to share their knowledge than you may believe.
At the beginning of your career, find a mentor and sponsor. And at the later stage of your career, become a mentor and sponsor to others. Instill the right beliefs, culture, and behaviors into your juniors.
Women in Tech: Speak your mind. Stand your ground
The use of voice distinguishes leaders from followers. People who have a voice and use it to make an impact around them transition to leadership. This advice does not mean you should use your voice to command; instead, listen carefully to your team and guide them with your knowledge.
If you’ve been asked to a meeting, remember that you’ve earned your seat at the table. Make sure that your word is heard. Speak up if you disagree with something. Even if you haven’t fine-tuned your idea, the experience of putting yourself out there will teach you a lot.
So, how should you start?
Thriving in the tech world is not easy, but it’s not impossible either.
You can only rise up if you are willing to go that extra mile. Learn from women tech leaders and build your own path to success. Earn respect through honesty, knowing your powers, and having a voice in an organization.
Also, don’t let the fact that men dominate the tech business keep you from participating in any activity at the office. Most importantly, don’t let the misconception that ‘women in tech don’t fit in’ keep you from doing something you enjoy and could excel at.
If a remote developer career sounds appealing to you, then apply to Turing.com. At Turing, you can join a network of the world’s best developers & get full-time, long-term remote software jobs with better compensation and career growth.
FAQs
What does it mean to be a woman in tech? All women founders, managers, software developers, testers, analysts, technicians, interns, and students who work in the tech industry. However, the term ‘women in tech’ is also a community term representing diversity in hiring, equal rights for women workers, and more.
Are females underrepresented in tech? Women in tech have long been undervalued and underrepresented in the workplace. As per statistics, women in tech account for fewer than 40 percent of the worldwide workforce, of which 25 percent of professional IT jobs are in the United States alone.
Join a network of the world's best developers and get long-term remote software jobs with better compensation and career growth.
Women in Tech: 4 Tips to Thrive in the IT Industry
Description
For women in tech, thriving in the IT world is challenging, but not impossible with these tips 1. Face challenges head-on 2. Don’t be afraid of new experiences
Ankit is a writer and editor who has contributed his expertise to Govt of India, Reebok, Abbott, TimesPro, Chitale Bandhu, InsideAIML, Kolte Patil Dev., etc.
