Top 5 Helpful Career Lessons From Women in Tech
Women are steadily making progress in the technology domain and are seen in leadership roles and even as entrepreneurs of winning tech startups. One thing still noted is the gender parity that persists even in this day and age. Women who are starting their journey or aspire to be a part of tech must take inspiration and lessons from the lives of successful women that have accomplished credible goals.
With some advice and guidance, you can navigate your career in tech as you please and make your mark no matter how tough the circumstances may get. There is immense scope for growth and accomplishments for you out there.
Do not get intimidated
Initially, it might feel daunting to be a part of what is a ‘male-dominated industry,’ and a huge gender parity may even make you feel a bias in your workplace. The idea is to carry on and focus on producing quality work that sets you apart from the rest.
The idea is to accept that while there might be difficulties along the way, you have to focus on your oath path. Many women have shared stories where they dealt intimated or nervous during meetings with a majority of male counterparts.
A good way to avoid embarrassing episodes is taking certain measures like scheduling meetings, chalking talk points beforehand, and even simply checking your MacBook battery condition to avoid a shutdown during an important meeting or a conference.
Find a mentor
Find a guide or a mentor who can help you move your way towards growth and success. Never hesitate to seek advice from those who have experience and have been on their journeys longer than you have. This guide will help you build confidence and a defined career path.
It is important to know the standards, practices of the tech industry to perform at your best without faltering on basic processes or expected standards. Once you start moving ahead, offer the same advice and help the newcomers along their way.
Build a community or be in it
Build a community to find similar women in tech roles and regularly connect to get updates, movements, and scenarios at other workplaces. Working in isolation is not only daunting but also restricts your opportunities, learnings, and experiences. A community of women in tech sounds like a great idea and a credible platform for one to support each other.
Remember that teamwork does make the dream work. If you notice a community elsewhere, become a part of it to witness other’s journey and learnings. The more you speak to similar people, the more inclusive you’d feel.
Continue to upskill
Your gender has got nothing to do with your tech or business skills. Get into a regular practice of enhancing your skills, and focus on upscaling. Be up to date with the advancements in your field and look for ways to build an impressive work portfolio. Build your network, connections, and opportunities to find new paths, and do not hesitate to learn from others around you.
As you continue to grow, your gender will seldom play a role in curbing your future when you know the solutions to provide and the know-how to address new technologies. Be your advocate and talk about your journey, skills, and views in your circle and look for ways to create a voice of your own. You could do so by blogging, holding seminars, or even on a group chat with your team members.
Invest in building relationships
Work relationships can take you a long way in your career and whether you’re a team lead or a part of it, make relationships and share connections. Remember that no matter where you go, your relationships will help cultivate new growth opportunities and the chance to unlock success.
Train those younger than you, and help them build their vision and career trajectory. Relationships made at work stay for much longer than you think, and that has been proven in situations in and out of the technology industry.
Leverage social media to strengthen your existing relationships while you build new ones. Use your platforms to build connections with founders, investors, guides, and gurus from the technology industry. New opportunities and learning are present everywhere. You just have to stay resilient and have a razor-sharp focus on achieving what you started for in the first place.
Conclusion
There is no substitute for skill and if you have got what it takes to make it big in the tech industry, work towards your goals without worrying about the status quo. The tech industry is evolving and has opened up arms to women for leadership roles that were once difficult to imagine. There is an ocean of opportunities in this fast-evolving space and all you gotta do is start with confidence.