Why Women Are the Future of Tech and How You Can Join Them

While only women only represent 26% of the tech industry workforce, trends are optimistic about narrowing the gender gap as more women look for opportunities to join tech. We’ll examine why having women in the tech industry is critical and how gender diversity can benefit your business.

The Growing Influence of Women in Tech

As more women break barriers and tear down stereotypes of women in the tech industry, younger generations of girls see STEM and tech careers as part of their future. It also helps that many tech enterprises recognize the value of having more women in their ranks and are creating more opportunities, education programs, and scholarships to encourage women to pursue a tech career.

The salary gap is also tightening in tech, empowering women to apply for positions knowing they will be treated as fairly as their male coworkers. The decreasing gap stems from how women feel more confident in their skill sets and know their worth.

Women also find ways to bridge their desire to improve their world through tech innovation. A Microsoft survey found that 72% of women respondents didn’t want a career in tech because they preferred a career where they could improve their world. But mindsets are shifting. Women are now looking for ways to use technology to improve the world and help others.

The Importance of Gender Diversity in Tech

Forbes points to three key reasons the tech industry needs more women:

1. Increased revenue: A study found that businesses that had high gender diversity outperform and generate a higher revenue than less diversified companies compared to five years ago. Having more women in your organization creates a competitive advantage. 
2. Fresh perspective: Teams can often fall into groupthink. When you have gender-diverse teams, you get more viewpoints and perspectives that promote better innovation and perspective. Women also handle situations differently from men and can help elevate problem-solving and team performance.
3. Positive role models for younger generations: When more women work in tech, it sets a good example to younger generations of girls to help break gender stereotypes and help younger girls see STEM career opportunities as a viable career path.

More women in your tech company also creates a safer environment and a stronger, more dynamic company culture. Women tend to make their coworkers feel more appreciated, respected and heard.

Want to get promoted in the tech industry? Learn more about our coding boot camps that elevate your resume.

Related Link: Essential Skills to Land a Tech Career in 2023

Overcoming Gender Stereotypes and Bias in Tech

Many tech organizations and networks want to help break gender stereotypes and empower young women to pursue tech careers. Girls Who Code launched a campaign that highlights women professionals in tech who are making a difference in their communities and the world through tech innovation. 

Helping women and girls see that they can make a difference and serve in leadership roles in the tech industry. And while the gender gap remains, more and more women are choosing computer science education and skills.

Skills and Education for Women in Tech

To pursue a tech career, women will need all the same skills and education as their male coworkers. This includes but isn’t limited to the following:

• Variety of Coding and Programming Languages: You’ll want to learn several coding languages, like Python, Java, JavaScript, C++, or Ruby.
• Data Science and Analysis: Developing data analysis, data visualization, and data-driven decision-making skills can be highly valuable. You’ll need to learn tools such as SQL, Tableau, or Python libraries to process large datasets.
• Cybersecurity: As cyber-attacks increase, cybersecurity is a critical and in-demand field within the tech industry. You’ll want to learn cybersecurity concepts, different types of threats, security tools, and detection techniques.
• Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is another in-demand field where you’ll need skills and certifications in cloud computing platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Google Cloud.
• UX/UI Design: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are growing tech fields that focus on building websites, applications, and digital products that are intuitive and optimal for the user. You’ll need UX/UI design skills, including usability testing, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
• Project Management: Acquiring skills in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques, such as Agile or Scrum, will help you understand how tech businesses innovate and release products.
• Leadership and Soft Skills: You’ll also need good communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to be an effective, productive team member with the potential for promotion. 
• Always Learning Professional Development: Innovation in tech moves so fast it is critical to stay current on the latest trends, technologies, strategies, and best practices. Sabio is a great resource for keeping your skill set current and relevant. 

Want to work in the tech industry? Learn more about our coding boot camps to get started on building your coding skills.

Related Link: Full Stack Developer vs. Software Engineer: Which Career Path to Choose?

Strategies for Career Advancement in Tech

If you are a woman considering career advancement in tech, here are some proven strategies to help you get that promotion:

Assess Your Personal Brand

You need to evaluate and analyze your resume. Do your skillset, education, and soft skills reflect the career advancement you want to achieve? If not, adopt continual learning habits where you continually improve your skills. Find the gaps in your resume and level up your skills to match your desired tech career.

Envision Yourself in the New Role

This means casting aside self-doubt and the ever-present imposter syndrome where you don’t think you’re good enough for the position. Instead, sell your strengths and why you’d be the right person for the position.

A study found that women will only apply for a job if they meet the requirements 100%, whereas men will apply if they meet at least 60%. This shows you don’t have to have all the skills when you can sell yourself as the right candidate.

Increase Your Influence

If you want to land that promotion, then you need a network. If a tree falls in a park and no one is there, will it make a sound? When you have successes and achievements, communicate them to your network so they can recognize and recommend your competence. This means continually expanding your network as well so that you can make as many connections as possible.

Sabio is a leading facilitator of helping women achieve tech careers through proven coding boot camps. We strive to create an environment of inclusion, diversity, and a smaller gender gap. We will level up your coding skills and connect you with the right companies to kickstart your new career.

Related Link: Software Engineer Career Path: What You Need to Know