This guide outlines tech career strategies that allow women to break into and succeed in the field.
The tech industry is exploding, and there are a wealth of career opportunities waiting for people ready to seize them. The time when technology was a separate industry is receding; today, tech plays an important part in almost any organization that wants to see continued, sustainable growth.
IT is an area that offers more flexibility than many other career paths as a college degree isn’t the only way to get to where you want to go. However, despite the increasing number of Tech Jobs and the increasing flexibility associated with tech jobs, it is still harder for women to get into a tech career than men.
Whether you are a female business owner or leader, or you aspire to become a leader of the future, breaking into the tech industry may be a challenge, but it will absolutely help you to get to where you want to be.
According to a study by PwC, women in tech are motivated by their capacity to make a tangible difference to the world. And in a time of the tech revolution, investing in your or your business’s digital capabilities has never been more meaningful.
Tech career strategies for women
Breaking into the tech industry could be a predetermined goal, and a specific part of your career and business plan, or it could happen more organically. Whatever your motivation, these tech career tips could help you to achieve the most from your organization and your career.
Be open minded
You may have been conditioned to think that a tech career isn’t for girls, but you shouldn’t knock it until you try it. If you are already a business leader, you clearly possess many of the skills that you need to be a leader in tech, too.
The tenacity and strategic thinking that have got you where you are today could be just the characteristics that you need to move your organization or your career forward in tech, so it is worth giving it a go. Worst case scenario? You discover that tech is not for you, and you delegate all things digital. Best case: you have another skill that will help you to progress.
Be ambitious
Studies show that women are less likely to apply for a tech career job if there are skills in the “non-essential” criteria that they don’t possess. Women are so accustomed to having to overcompensate because of their gender that we naturally underplay our talents.
Don’t make the mistake of underestimating what you have to offer; remember all of the times when you have thought that you are more capable than someone senior to you, and put yourself out there to succeed in your career.
Learn to recognise – and embrace – imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome is something that most people have felt at some time or other. If you are never in a situation where you challenge or stretch yourself, you are never going to grow.
However, imposter syndrome is about more than being challenged, it is the niggling feeling that you are not qualified to do what you are doing or that you might be exposed as an imposter. For all of the reasons already mentioned, women are far more likely to experience imposter syndrome than men.
The key is not to fight it, but to recognize it for what it is, and acknowledge the fact that those who experience imposter syndrome are, in fact, far less likely to be the imposters.
Be curious
You won’t break into the tech career world if you don’t ask a few questions. As a current leader, you are entirely justified in asking what needs to be done, why, and how. Use the opportunity to explore other organizations and determine industry norms, as well as what the trailblazers are doing.
Take the time to be curious and understand the digital lifecycle of your customers as well as your employees so that you can see where efficiencies can be made, and where overall experience and performance can be improved.
Be Seen AND Heard
The tech world never stops which means that, if you are considering branching out into the tech industry, you can’t afford to stop, either. Carve out time to invest in continuing professional development, particularly in areas around tech.
Learn a little about coding, programming and cybersecurity so that you can talk to others in the industry on a level. Being seen isn’t enough; you need to be heard, too, because it is your voice that will differentiate you in a tech career. Listen to those around you and apply your extensive understanding to offer strong leadership to your team.
Be the changemaker
You are not a careerist or woman in business because you are happy to sit quietly and fade into the background. Take the skills that have enabled you to achieve your current professional status, and apply them to help you to break into a tech career or industry and succeed.
Conclusion
Being a woman in tech is undoubtedly challenging, but it is not impossible. Similar to being a female leader in any organization, being a woman in a tech career or industry is achievable for those with the self-belief, determination and skills to not just overcome, but to thrive.
If you are already a leader and you want to transfer those skills to the tech world, a tech recruitment agency could help you to hone your skills and identify tech career opportunities that will allow you to challenge stereotypes and break into an industry where you can make a tangible, lasting impact.
