Returning to work after a career break can be a daunting experience, and for women in technology, it’s usually no different, writes Amanda Whicher, UKI technology director at FTSE-listed IT recruiter Hays.
Going back to the tech grindstone is not to be underestimated
While progress is fortunately being made in acknowledging that going back to the tech grindstone can be no mean feat, there’s still a significant amount of work to be done, to insert the level of inclusivity and gender diversity we’d like to see in the process.
Whether your break as a woman technology worker was for parental leave, a sabbatical, personal circumstances, or otherwise, it’s normal to feel anxious about returning to work; whether it’s a full-time 9-to-5 or a temporary, contract gig.
The IT sector’s fast pace makes getting back in the saddle tricker
The tech industry is always evolving, providing numerous opportunities.
However, it’s this breakneck pace of development and fast technological advancement that partly explain why key challenges face women re-entering the IT workforce.
These challenges can be overcome.
Our technology jobs agency sincerely hopes the following guidance will help females, and other individuals, facing this transition.
Top 5 tips when returning to the IT workforce after a career break
So here, exclusively for Women In Tech.co.uk, are our top five tips for not just navigating career breaks in technology, but also for successfully returning to the information technology fold after a hiatus.
1. Re-ignite your confidence and self-belief
Confidence is key in any role, and believing in yourself can take you far.
Don’t be ashamed of your career break—according to the CIPD, a hefty 90,000 people take a career break every year. So you’re far from alone.
Taking stock, development, and your tech skills 'best before date'
Skills you acquired during your break can add a lot of value to your future career. It’s an opportunity to take stock of your strengths and weaknesses.
When coming back into the tech workforce, be aware that you will have the chance to continue to develop your skills and experience.
Interestingly, the skills required for technology roles today may differ from those needed a year ago, and they will continue to evolve, so keeping a focus on continuous learning is key.
2. Understand your skills and where they add value/appeal to employers
If you’re re-entering the tech world or transitioning into a tech role after a career break, it’s crucial to understand your skills and how they can add value to different types of roles and employers.
Seek advice from career coaches, people you know who have taken career breaks, or even professionals in roles you aspire to fill yourself.
Speaking from my own experience, beware of Imposter Syndrome
Drawing from my own experience, I know that returning from maternity leave can be quite challenging. Many women, myself included, often face Imposter Syndrome during this transition.
If you are feeling symptoms of imposter syndrome, take time to reflect on the value you brought to your previous tech role.
Seeking feedback can help boost your confidence. Remember, you were successful before your break, and the time away can provide fresh perspectives and new ideas.
3. Stike then maintain work-life balance
After the initial excitement of returning to work, it’s normal to feel slightly unnerved.
You might question how you managed your previous routine and worry about changes in your industry or your skills. Colleagues will likely be patient, but make sure to put steps in place to help yourself along.
Keep up what works /worked for you during your tech career break
If you reconnected with friends, made new ones, spent more time with family, or pursued new hobbies during your break, make a pact to maintain this balance.
Improving productivity during office hours or starting work earlier in the day can help you avoid late evenings.
Learn from your break about what you need to be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself, and find ways to maintain this balance when you return to work.
A good line manager is worth getting on your side here too, and the earlier the better, once of course you’ve shortlisted what works or worked for you.
4. Stay connected and informed
To avoid feeling out of touch on your first day back, or if you’re moving into a new subsector of the tech industry, put out ‘feelers’ and ‘fishing rods’ that will both serve to keep you updated on industry trends or goings-on, and reel in information on skills, rates, and organisations’ changes.
The importance of feeling au fait (continued)
If you are already within a role and taking leave, it’s likely your employer or engager may organise updates to be sent to your personal email, so you can stay informed during any career break.
If not, during ‘Keep In Touch’ days — if you are on maternity leave, there will be time to absorb any changes in job roles, team structures, or any other important organisational news you need to be made aware of.
5. Sharpen your skills by investing in self-education
Some of your hard skills as a woman in tech might be rusty, depending on how long you’ve been away from the technology coalface! Or you may have doubts about your soft skills, simply because they’ve been collecting dust of late!
The trick is to get a head start — by practising the skills you feel unsure of in advance.
For example, if you work in software development, brush up on product knowledge and keep on top of industry releases, patching cycles and new trends.
Little and often, self-ed, and ‘Keep In Touch’ days
Use your time to improve existing skills or gain new ones through podcasts, webinars, or books related to your field.
Expanding your knowledge will boost your confidence on your first day back.
If your career break leaves you with little free time, adopt a ‘little and often’ approach to such vital self-education. You might not be able to commit to a full ‘Keep In Touch’ day, but you can perhaps schedule bi-monthly calls with team members. If you cannot sit through an hour-long webinar, listen to a five-minute podcast here and there.
In closing: Top four focus areas when returning to work as a female techie
Too often women in tech are under the misapprehension that they’re expected to instantly adapt to every single change since they left for their career break or maternity leave!
From my personal experience of returning to an IT-led workplace after a career break as a woman, I recommend that you focus on controlling the elements of your:
- wellbeing;
- work-life balance;
- skillset; and
- knowledge.
These four fundamentals (easy to remember using the acronym ‘WWSK’) are the key to unlocking a successful return to your terminal, team or tech leadership role. At least, these were my fundamental four!
Final thoughts to find your footing (again) on a corporate tech ladder
Reflect on the skills you possess, and have acquired during your time-out, while trusting in your instincts, abilities and potential. This self-assuredness might take time to build. But it is unbeatable at guiding you to re-enter the workforce with confidence and aplomb that other tech workers simply won’t have if they haven’t had the invaluable experience of; well, experience — beyond the workplace, that can be leveraged and then channelled from the personal into the professional.
Amanda Whicher
Amanda Whicher is a director at Hays UK&I, specialising in public services technology. With over 17 years of experience in the recruitment sector, Amanda has a wealth of insights on the challenges employers face accessing and retaining talent. She has a particular interest in encouraging more women into tech, to expand their career opportunities and create more diverse and inclusive tech teams.
Amanda is passionate about matching the top technology experts to organisations, through life-long partnerships and workplace solutions, to support both clients and candidates to meet their ambitions and thrive in the ever-changing world of tech.
