3 Effective Ways to Advance Your Career in the Tech Industry  

Women make up a substantial portion of the technology workforce. Fast-growing opportunities in technology have allowed some women to become work-from-home technology magnates. According to CNET.com, 51% of the US workforce is made up of women, and about 25% of those make up the technical workforce.

In spite of their presence, the efforts and contributions of women in the field seldom receive the recognition deserved. Obtaining a position in technology is not necessarily the hurdle that needs to be cleared. Plenty of low-level jobs are available, but they do not equate to the time and effort spent earning the credentials. The female population holds 57 out of every 100 graduate degrees earned.  According to the National Center for Women in IT, a mere 18% of those degrees are in technology and science. This study suggests that women are scarce in the field. After landing a role in technology, staying relevant is the key.  Advancement up the digital ladder has not been an easy climb for women working in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Typically, employers want someone who is a fit for the organization. Women bring diversity to the table, and they have the commodity of “nurturing” and the know-how that gets things done. Securing a role in technology is the beginning. These three tips can help get things moving up the digital ladder.

• Be prepared for what may come next. Make sure you have the proper training and education for the position you want so that you can go in running. Having to learn things outside of the normal business methods tends to restrict both business growth and personal career growth. While a learning curve is expected in an entry-level position, you want to move past that phase into being a valued contributor. Some women transition to STEM and start with little hands-on experience. It may be necessary to obtain a new degree or attend a technical boot camp to gain an edge to get that next promotion. For those seeking work as coders, coding boot camps offer students a somewhat personal experience with low student-to-teacher ratios. These schools are not cheap, ranging anywhere from $7,000 to a percentage of the graduate’s first annual salary. (Check The Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamps)  Regardless of your training and educational needs, consider your options. Research the requirements of where you want to go in your organization or outside and what it will take to get there.

• Assemble a network or, in this case, “Techwork.” Get to know others who are in the field. Use business relationships to stay current on events and changes. The right circle of peers and colleagues may be the perfect boost to your next opportunity. Technology groups range from general interest to groups specific to a culture. Some designed specifically for women in technology include:
  • Girl Develop It: an organization that aims to help women of diverse backgrounds learn web and software development through classes, meetings, and other multi group collaborations.
  • Lesbians Who Tech: a community of LGBT who work together to promote the visibility and inclusion of women, LGBTQ people, and other backgrounds who are underrepresented in technology.
  • Code2040: an organization that creates pathways to educational, professional, and entrepreneurial success in technology for underrepresented minorities, focusing on blacks and Hispanics. They work with professionals and students around the world.
  • Networking Websites: Websites such as LinkedIn have created a professional online space to collaborate on career advancement, financial negotiations, and even tailored training. Before you turn away from the virtual crowd, keep in mind that the strongest asset of any woman is her network. Strength comes in numbers.

• Perseverance will mean the difference between moving forward and staying stagnant. With a support system and fully loaded resources, a woman professional can take on any challenges as long as she remains resilient to the road blocks. “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance,” said Steve Jobs, Chairman and CEO of Apple, in 2015. Don’t get discouraged by what has not worked out as planned. Concentrate on what has worked and how can you increase its presence. Focus on actions that will get you to your goal instead of focusing on your goal. Planning ensures that you will not waste time on random tasks or activities which won’t increase your value.

The tech world will continue to thrive, and women must not only be present in its growth but be active participants in the innovations it brings. Be positive in your thinking because optimism goes a long way. It allows you to see things at their best, which in turn gives you more determination to keep going.