The advice I’d give women entering the tech industry
Drawing from over two decades in tech, I offer three essential pieces of advice to help women confidently enter and thrive in the industry.
Looking back on my two (going on three!) decades in tech, from earning my Master’s degree in Computer Science in 2001 to now serving as the SVP of Engineering at Parallels for over 23 years, there are many things I wish I would had known before embarking on a career in tech. As a woman, entering the world of tech can be intimidating. But I believe that by highlighting the stories of those who have already found fulfillment and joy in tech and by affirming that the fields of sciences and technology are indeed open to all, we can make it less daunting for women to take the leap. That’s exactly why I want to share three pieces of advice for women considering a venture into the world of tech.
The power of continuous learning
Although this is not unique to the tech industry alone, one of my insights is that remaining open to adapting and focusing on learning new skills, when possible, is a powerful characteristic to possess as a woman going into tech.
For me, this is something that I started focusing on back in university, as evidenced by the fact that I took psychology and philosophy courses in addition to my STEM courses. Surprisingly, these interests have proven invaluable in my professional life as they have significantly improved my communications skills as a leader and have allowed me to foster an inclusive, trusting and positive environment in my team here at Parallels.
The mindset of continuous learning also led me to accept the offer to do the Leading with Impact: Staying on the Fast Track executive education program at Harvard Business School in 2014 when my employer approached me with the opportunity.
This was an opportunity that helped me really zero in on my leadership skills and define what kind of leader I wanted to be, by learning from people from different cultures and sectors.
That mind of yours? Keep it open!
Chances are, if you are a woman already in tech or considering going into the field, you are pretty open-minded. But don’t stop there! Keep the machinery going even once you are in the field. Continue to engage actively by seeking out conversations with industry professionals. Learn about their career journeys, draw inspiration from their experiences, and let that guide and inspire your own career path.
Seeking mentorship opportunities that allow you to interact with female professionals in the industry is a perfect strategy to broaden your perspective on the potential within the field. And as you do so, you’ll quickly discover that the sky is the limit. I can think of several women in tech who are doing incredible work, and their stories could inspire any woman out there to embark on a career in the tech industry.
Listen, mentor and support
In some ways, regardless of your seniority level, if you are a woman in tech, you are a leader. And that comes with amazing opportunities as well as responsibilities. As you move forward and upwards in your career, I believe that your skills in listening, mentoring and supporting, are going to be very determining in terms of how far you make it.
As you move forward and upwards in your career, I believe that your skills in listening, mentoring and supporting, are going to be very determining in terms of how far you make it.
Because being cognizant of how you listen and support the people around you in your team is crucial for today’s workforce. By listening and supporting, I mean creating a work environment that fosters psychological safety, making it safe to share opinions, take risks, speak up, and challenge others.
In this regard, my time at Harvard was really eye-opening. That’s where I picked up how key it is to listen and back each other up. These are aspects I still pay close attention to every single day in my work at Parallels.
I want to especially emphasize the importance of mentoring, not just in your daily teamwork but also on a broader scale. Becoming the mentor you wished that you had when you first entered the industry can change the trajectory for future women in tech. Through mentoring and inspiring, we contribute to the narrative that STEM is indeed a field open to everyone regardless of background or gender.
Becoming the mentor you wished that you had when you first entered the industry can change the trajectory for future women in tech.
