Empowering Women in Tech: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome and Shaping the Future
As a tech enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for ways to be inspired and learn from others. And guess what? I scored a ticket to the Women in Tech Conference 2023 in Stockholm! You can imagine my excitement! This event is all about women sharing their stories, experiences, and valuable insights with each other.
It was the perfect opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry and gain fresh perspectives. The goal of this conference is not only to bring women together, but also to inspire each other! I’d like to share a few of my key takeaways from the event. I hope they inspire you!
The Power of Programming and AI — How to get started?
The world of tech is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments. At Women in Tech, I had the opportunity to hear from Alice Heiman, a student and 19-year-old scientist, who shared her journey into programming and AI research. She spoke passionately about how programming has transformed her life, from creative school projects, to cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence.
Alice also emphasized the importance of exploring the possibilities of technology and how programming can make our lives easier by solving problems in our daily lives. For those who are new to programming, she shared easy steps to get involved, including participating in conversations, reflecting on the possibility of using programming in your field, and finding more efficient and fun ways to do things.
It is clear that the latest trends in tech have the potential to revolutionize our lives and change the world as we know it. Whether you are an experienced programmer, or just getting started, there has never been a better time to explore the possibilities of technology and see how it can make a difference in your life and your work.
Impostor syndrome — You’re more than good enough
Have you ever felt like you do not belong in your field? Like you are not good enough to be there? If so, you are not alone. As the youngest one in my team, as well as this being my first job ever in the tech field after graduation, I have definitely felt the pressure to prove myself and live up to expectations. Impostor syndrome is a common experience for many people, especially in fields such as tech, where there is a lot of pressure to perform. But here is the thing: you are more than good enough. You were hired for a reason, and you have valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to your team.
At the Women in Tech conference, I attended a talk by Azra Osmancevic, head of business development of Viaplay Group, about combating impostor syndrome through self-awareness. One of the key takeaways was the importance of knowing both our strengths and weaknesses, and communicating them to others. This is especially important for young engineers, like myself, who may be prone to focus solely on our weaknesses and feel like we are not good enough. By acknowledging and owning our strengths as well, we can gain confidence and self-assurance in our abilities.
So, next time you feel like an impostor in your field, remember that you are more than good enough. Take some time to reflect on your strengths and communicate them to others. This can help you gain confidence and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. Moreover, your chosen professional path is probably something that you love and are passionate about, as well as good at. Always remember, you are capable and your achievements are real.
Future of Women in Tech
As we look towards the future, it is important to recognize that the tech industry has a long way to go when it comes to gender equality. Women are still vastly underrepresented in tech roles. But despite these challenges, there is reason to hope. Women are breaking down barriers and making their mark in the tech world every day, and with continued effort and support, we can create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all.
It starts with acknowledging the problem and committing to change. We need to provide more opportunities for women to enter and succeed in tech, through education, mentorship, and professional development programs. So, let us not settle for the status quo. Let’s commit to doing better and creating a future where women are truly represented and valued in the tech world.
I must confess that I am not a good writer. However, I have a secret weapon — AI. That is right, I am using the power of artificial intelligence to help me put my thoughts into words. It is amazing how far technology has come, and how it is revolutionising various industries, including mine — the tech industry.
For those who would like to find more inspiration from the Women in Tech talks — all the livestreams were recorded and are available to revisit on Women in Tech Sweden. I highly recommend checking them out, as there was so much valuable information and inspiration shared throughout the day!
