Women In The Technology Field

Jun 14

So, as a woman, you've made the decision to pursue a job in technology. You've spent a lot of time and work honing your skills and are now ready to advance in your job. What can you anticipate in a male-dominated sector, and how can you set yourself up for success?

From those who have been there, here are some tips for females:

The bumps along the road

Admission into the computer business is more difficult for women than for males. In a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, these obstacles might be the difference between being overlooked and landing a job. The following are three typical barriers that women face in the field:

It's a man's world. Despite the fact that computer science was developed by women and has a long history of female-led victories, the caricature of the "tech bro" persists. This has an influence on workplace culture and climate, and it may be frightening for women who are just getting started in the field, causing feelings of unease and discomfort.
There are males at all levels of entry. In a male-dominated firm, decision-makers are more likely to be men. This makes getting job and climbing the corporate ladder much more challenging.
Families are a source of concern. Women start their IT employment later on average than their male counterparts due to family and childcare responsibilities.
Furthermore, some women may be underemployed or quit on a frequent basis to meet such needs, resulting in substantial wage disparities between men and women throughout the course of their careers.

As a consequence of these constraints, women in computers will have to work even harder to stand out, overcome stereotypes, and grow their presence in the field.

Taking a look at the workplace

Finding a profession that checks all of your boxes as a woman might be challenging. As you research and interview possible companies, think about not just what they can offer you professionally, but also how happy you'll be in that environment. Here are four qualities to look for in an IT candidate:

Is there a good mix of people in the company? Consider how diverse the interview panel is. Inquire about their attempts to increase diversity and how this impacts their hiring practices.
In reality, what does corporate culture look like? Learn how workers at all levels interact with one another and how your point of view may clash with or improve the working environment.
Is there a wide range of products in the company? Examine how they assist women at work and if they are intentionally inclusive (from their philosophy down to day-to-day decision making). Inquire about how they employ women on a regular basis.
In what ways might they be able to help you grow? Find out how often they recruit fresh grads and how often you'll have opportunities to develop. Find out whether they have the same amount of faith in you as you have in them.

Imposter syndrome is a mental illness in which a person feels he or she is not who they say they are

When starting a new job, it's natural to be nervous. It's critical to remember that you're equally as capable as your colleagues and that you have a lot to offer. Here are five tips for avoiding impostor syndrome and accomplishing your professional goals in your new work.

Recognize and appreciate your skills. Despite the fact that the IT sector is competitive, remember that you bring your unique set of talents and perspectives to the table. Be proud of what you'll accomplish and own your successes.
Make a list of little objectives that you can achieve. Consider what you need to do each week and maintain a record of your accomplishments. Keeping track of your progress will keep you motivated and help you feel like you belong and contribute.
Seek assistance from your family and friends. Make relationships with individuals who are familiar with you and can assist you in remembering your accomplishments. The fresh perspective will motivate you to reach higher goals.
Utilize the IT community's resources. Check in to see how your Lambda School classmates are faring in the technological world. Hearing personally about other goal-oriented individuals attaining their objectives may inspire you to try new things or take professional risks you hadn't considered.
Take a moment to reflect on how far you've progressed. I admire your devotion and perseverance throughout your trip. Because of your forethought and perseverance, you've gone this far. You may be certain that your learning mentality will help you succeed in your future career.

Outstanding strategies

As a woman in technology, you may feel like a pioneer at work, but don't let that scare you. Here are seven ways for eliminating loneliness, boosting confidence, proving your value, and broadening your reach.

Make a statement. If you have a professional issue, speak up. Women are less likely than males to express problems at work. Your colleagues and customers will respect how meticulously you pay attention to the smallest of details.

Make a statement. If you're experiencing conflicts with colleagues, speak with your employer or HR as soon as possible before things worsen. Negotiating a salary is a must. To narrow the gender pay gap, demand what you're worth in your market. Consult your professional coach and acquire materials to increase your self-assurance. Don't be scared to reach for the stars, and always be prepared to push back.

You are worth every penny

Make a network from the start. Don't wait until after graduation to reach out to recruiters and other business connections. Attend a meet-up or conference before your program concludes to learn more about firms that pique your interest. Learn about the technology they employ and how your interests may overlap.
The promotion of projects is necessary. Post demonstrations on social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter to raise awareness and get feedback. If you openly advertise yourself, you never know what kind of job offers or professional referrals you'll receive.

Adapt. Keep an open mind about learning and integrating new technologies on the job since technology evolves from project to project. To keep current, make it a habit to remain flexible and learn new things on a regular basis.

Allow yourself to let go of your need for perfection. Waiting for the right project to emerge might prevent you from realizing your full potential. If it works, take what you've got and put it out there. To get light peer feedback and refine your product over time, use services like Lambda School's "Show It Off" Channel.

Remember that women in IT provide value and perspective to any team. You have a bright future ahead of you and already have the capabilities to make an impact wherever you choose to put your talents to use.