Coding the future: How to join the tech industry
Want to join the tech industry, but are not sure if it’s for you? The tech world needs more women! Find out how you can join the tech industry and more.
Historically, the tech industry has been significantly male and white. But it does not reflect the realities of our world. Tools and innovation need women’s voices to be more inclusive and accessible.
Female talent in the tech industry is crucial, yet underrepresented. It isn’t only about equality; it’s about the future we code for the next generation.
You might be wondering: How or where do I start? Is the tech industry even for me? Does my previous experience count? How do I know it’s right for me?
It’s never too late to make a career change. The tech industry offers a range of roles for women with various backgrounds. Your previous and current experiences are valuable. Start by creating a new curriculum using an online CV builder and include skills that match the industry.
In this article, we will explain how and why you can join the tech industry.
Why female voices matter in tech
The tech industry is the architect of our digital experiences. People who write code are the silent narrators of our virtual stories. When the majority of these narrators are men, we miss out on the rich, diverse perspectives that women bring to the table.
Women offer unique insights and life experiences that can lead to more inclusive and creative technological solutions. By diversifying the voices in tech, we can design products that serve a wider audience and drive forward a fairer future.
The ripple effect of women in tech
When women thrive in tech roles, the impact is exponential. They become role models, challenging stereotypes and encouraging more girls to pursue STEM fields.
Women influence product development, ensuring that technology addresses the needs of a broader audience. They contribute to economic growth, bringing diverse problem-solving approaches and fostering innovation.
Your path to a tech career
Transitioning to a career in tech can seem daunting, but it’s worth the investment.
Here’s how to start:
- Identify your passion: Whether it’s the logic of coding, the creativity of UX design, or the strategy behind project management, find what excites you.
- Educate yourself: Leverage online resources, community college courses, or boot camps to learn new skills. Notable schools like General Assembly, Ada Developers Academy, and Hackbright Academy offer programs tailored for women.
- Certifications and skills: Certifications from CompTIA, Google, and Microsoft can bolster your resume. Skills in coding languages like Python, JavaScript, or SQL are highly sought after.
- Background advantage: Your current background, be it in communication, art, business, or science, can be a powerful asset. Tech needs diverse skills, and your work experience can set you apart.
- Find a mentor: Seek out women who have paved their way in tech. They can provide guidance, support, and invaluable insights from their journeys.
- Network: Join organizations like Women Who Code, Girls in Tech, or AnitaB.org to connect with peers and industry leaders.
How do I know the tech industry is for me?
When we talk about tech, many are unaware of the scope of job opportunities in the industry. Tech sounds abstract, but the truth is that there are dozens of careers.
Tech skills are 20 of the 25 most sought-after skills by employers on LinkedIn. Tech jobs exist in every department. Here’s a list of job titles available right now:
- Marketing technologist – develops marketing strategies and finds and tests the technology that powers it.
- SEO Consultant – spends time optimizing your websites and working to gain inbound links.
- Social Media Manager – targets audiences by creating social media content, and you test and optimize strategies to gain brand awareness.
- Growth Hacker – uses low-cost strategies to help the business acquire and retain new customers.
- Content Manager – oversees development, distribution, and content creation to inform and reach audiences.
- UX designer – creates high-fidelity screens and prototypes for products, websites, and apps.
- Business analyst – assesses how an organization is performing through research and offers solutions to improve processes and systems.
- Project manager – organizes, plans, and executes projects while also working within tight deadlines and budget constraints.
- Web developer – creates and manages websites, being responsible for the site’s technical aspects.
- Accessibility Specialist – helps companies design and improve accessibility in their digital systems.
- Front-end designer – designs and programs websites to ensure visitors can easily interact with a page.
- Data Architect – visualizes and designs an organization’s enterprise data management framework.
The main question you should ask yourself is: do I enjoy problem-solving? Tech jobs are all about critical thinking. Some jobs involve data analysis, while others are more creative, but at their core, tech is about solving problems.
Find a role that fits your background and interests
To figure out if there’s a role out there that will fit your background and interests, we recommend:
- Research – different roles and career paths within the industry. Look into the job descriptions, required skills and responsibilities.
- Self-reflection – evaluate how you feel about where you are right now. What are your interests, values, and interests? Asses your experience, passions, interests, and skillset.
- Networking – connect with people who already work in the tech industry and could offer insights about their roles. Attend industry events and join online communities to learn more. Network online, and make your digital business card to stay connected.
- Internship or job shadowing – try to do an internship or shadow someone working in a tech role. This way, you’ll be able to see what the day-to-day tasks are about and whether it resonates with you.
Will you answer the call to code?
The tech industry is not just a man’s world. It’s a world that thrives on the intellect and creativity of women. It’s where your voice can shape the future, and your skills can break barriers. So, to every woman reading this: trust in your abilities, embrace the journey, and join the ranks of women coding a new tomorrow.
