Our Top 5 Tips for Women in Tech
Did you know that only 16% of females have had a career in technology suggested to them, in comparison to 33% of males (PWC)?
As a tech-focused company with a team comprised predominantly of women, we know all too well the reality of the gender gap in the tech industry. In fact, being a woman in tech is still somewhat of an uphill struggle. A struggle that is most definitely worth it, but a struggle nonetheless!
Whilst we’ve certainly come on leaps and bounds in recent years in terms of gender equality in the field, there are barriers that we are yet to overcome. At Snap Out, we’re proud to be a part of the shift towards a tech industry that is more inclusive in all areas, including gender!
With that in mind, our Managing Director, Dr Chloe Sharp, shares her top five tips for being a woman in tech.
Our Top Five Tips for Being a Woman in Tech
Be Bold
As the brilliant Sheryl Sandberg says, “We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.”
In order to be the best version of yourself as a woman in the tech field, you need to be confident in who you are. Try not to be afraid of “leaning in” and using your voice. If you are in this field, you have talent and skill that got you here, so don’t let imposter syndrome convince you otherwise!
Be bold in yourself and in your belief that you deserve to be where you are. You may be surprised by how much your mental attitude can impact your reality!
Cultivate Your Creative Side
As a woman in tech it can be tempting to cultivate traits that were traditionally thought of as “masculine” such as pragmatism. Whilst this is important, it’s also crucial to focus on creativity!
Creative minds are not only wanted, but needed within the tech world for the sake of innovation. It is this forward-thinking and imaginative attitude that will position you in the field as a pioneer.
“Be the change you want to see”
This Arleen Lorrance quote could almost be talking directly about women in tech!
If you are not happy with the way that the industry stands currently, you have the power to change it, one step at a time. As an insider, you can “be the change”. You can suggest shifts. You can bring the attitude and mentality that you would like the whole field to adopt.
This can mean anything from ensuring that hiring processes where you work are fair and diverse, to cultivating ways for the women in your workspace to have a louder voice. There are tonnes of things that we can do as individuals that have a huge ripple effect!
Carve Your Own Path
The path for women is not as well-trodden. So, make your own!
Don’t feel confined to what is already available for you. Create your own opportunities through dreaming big and building the career that you want. In an industry that is not yet entirely accepting of women, we sometimes have to take matters into our own hands!
Look After Yourself
Self-care is not selfish.
Working in an industry that is dominated by the opposite sex, and where you have to work extra hard to even get your foot in the door, can be exhausting. Look after yourself, however that looks for you.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty job. Your mental health, your productivity and the quality of your work will thank you for taking time off.
Do you have any tips for women working in tech? We’d love to hear them in the comments!
The Snap Out Team ⛰️
