More women are rising through the ranks in the tech industry—a traditionally masculine sector—and these successful women give upcoming workers tips for navigating the climb.
Key Details
- The tech industry has struggled with diversity, particularly including women in leadership roles, Forbes reports.
- However, more women have risen to the top in the tech world in recent years due to hard work, talent, and determination.
- Several female entrepreneurs with new products and services have also become prominent in the tech world.
- Women who have pioneered success in the tech industry, like Salesforce’s Windy Nicholson and Spectrum North’s Neelima Mangal, encourage fellow women to stay curious, empathetic, and ambitious.
Why it’s news
Though diversity in tech is improving, women remain significantly underrepresented in many tech-related fields. However, there is a growing movement of women actively working to support and encourage other women in tech. Through mentorship, networking, and advocacy, these women are helping to pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive tech industry.
Women in tech must remember to advocate for themselves, Lakeside Softwares Elise Carmichael says. Ensuring a supervisor is aware of any career goals an employee may have is important. A good manager will be willing to help an employee along that path, but the manager must be informed before offering assistance.
Being a confident employee means being curious and willing to learn, A5G Networks’ Kaitki Agarwal suggests. Continuing education and taking leadership courses can make employees more confident in their abilities while also helping them stand out from the crowd. Many people will provide many different kinds of advice, Agarwal says. Each employee must determine what fits best in their particular situation.
Women ought to continue their education while advancing their careers, Paymob’s Imane Adel and Women in Cloud’s Chaitra Vedullapalli say. Vedullapalli emphasizes learning financial and business skills. Not only will this help an employee be better prepared, but it can keep them better informed when negotiating salaries or managing budgets and employees. Women should also continue to learn from others who have succeeded before them, Softensity’s Monika Mueller says.
Continue supporting those women who are just beginning their careers, Dr. Rebecca Wynn and Eureka Security’s Liat Hayun suggest. Hayun emphasizes empathy, both when dealing with coworkers and when dealing with customers.
Women should cultivate a “hype team” of their own, Salesforce’s Windy Nicholson says. This is a group of trusted people to provide encouragement in times of difficulty. While supporting upcoming women in the field, keeping support close by is just as important.
Women should trust both themselves and their abilities. Stellar Data Recovery’s Namrata Sengupta says, “Believe in yourself and your abilities … Be open to new experiences and embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way.”
Women ought to trust in the abilities and skills they have developed, say TAINA Technology’s Maria Scott and Charos Boboyorova. “Focus on what you are good at and what you are passionate about. Don’t get sidetracked by the latest trends or the opinions of others,” Boboyorova says.
Assertiveness is also a skill women in tech should work to develop. Spectrum North’s Neelima Managal reminds women that they should advocate for themselves to ensure they receive credit for their work. Schellman’s Avani Desai emphasizes learning to say no and setting clear boundaries.
“It’s tempting to say “yes” to every ask, but doing so can spread you thin and dilute your impact. Instead, focus on the things that align with your goals,” Desai says.
Finally, women should not forget to dream big when planning their goals, AdMedia’s Sireesha Chilakamarri says.
“Face it and make it. Often, leadership positions feel daunting and can create self-doubt. Calm down, acknowledge all your imperfections—and then high-five yourself. Identify your authentic values and goals, and you will create your own path to the top. Allow yourself to learn and try new ways of solving problems. Give yourself permission to dream big, and be unapologetic about it,” Chilakamarri says.