It is known that there is a lack of women in the technology industry, and there is a serious demand for tech talent due to a skills shortage. With just 29% of the technology workforce being women, it is clear that more needs to be done to increase the number of women in tech to create a larger talent pool for employers to choose from. However, to attract more women into the industry, the tech sector needs to make more girls at lower & higher education levels aware of the success you can have in IT.
The University of Oxford’s Department of Computer Sciences recently revealed that only 23.1% of applications for their Computer Science degrees in 2023-2024 came from women and only 37 were shortlisted. This made up for just 25% of the total offers.
It is important we aim to increase these numbers as gender diversity offers many benefits to both employers and employees. This includes increased employee retention, innovation, profits, different perspectives, a wider talent pool and improved company reputation.
So, how do you go about getting into technology as a female?
Get to know the sector
Technology is a broad sector with several different career paths. From programming and coding to technology advisors, the career paths that are available to someone who wants to get into the industry are varied. Before getting into the industry, it is advised that you research the different pathways to take and see what interests you the most.
Here are some of the current top tech jobs and what responsibilities they have:
Software Engineer – They are responsible for designing, developing, testing and maintaining computer software.
Cyber Security Engineer – They design, test and maintain security solutions to protect networks from cyberattacks, malware and other threats. They will also respond to any security incidents and plan network upgrades.
Data Analyst – Data analysts gather, organise and interpret data to provide businesses with insights so they can make changes if necessary.
Web Developer – They create and maintain websites. Moreover, they ensure they are user-friendly, visually appealing, functional and optimised.
Once you have decided on an aspect of technology that interests you, it is beneficial to consider the values and culture you seek from an employer. With the technology industry currently being male-dominated, it is important to find out what employers can offer you as a female in terms of career development. If this is something that you want from an employer, then taking more time to look into initiatives they provide and role models that may already be in the company is worthwhile.
Some examples of top incentives women in tech value and are good to look out for when you come to look for a job are flexible/remote working, training within the company, above-average annual leave allowance, bonus scheme and health insurance. It is also good to have a look at their fertility, pregnancy loss and maternity policies and support.
There are a number of employers who Women in Tech partner with, and they are all passionate about gender diversity in tech. View their profiles here.
Have confidence in yourself
When trying to get into the tech industry, it is important that you remain confident in your abilities. I know this is sometimes easier said than done! This should come across both in your verbal and written abilities, particularly in the application and interview process. Pursuing a career in technology that genuinely interests and excites you is key, as it will enhance your confidence when discussing industry trends with potential employers and articulating why you are well-suited for the position.
Additionally, it is favourable to engage in continuous learning and skill development, as this not only improves your expertise but also reinforces your self-assurance. Networking with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and mentorship, further solidifying your confidence. Practising common interview questions can also help you articulate your thoughts more clearly.
You might be feeling like you don’t have any relevant skills yet for the tech path you want to go down. However, you probably have more than you realise. For example, some soft skills you might already have are good problem-solving skills, communication, adaptability, teamwork, time management and leadership. LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends report showed that as much as 92% of professionals say soft skills are as important, if not more, than hard skills.
Gain experience
Gaining some work experience is a great way of demonstrating to employers how motivated and interested you are in entering the technology industry. It also will give you a greater understanding of the type of work you will be doing and what the role entails. One way to do this is to look for internship opportunities that are available for students or recent graduates. These are also great because they can lead to full-time employment at the end or at least get your name out into the industry.
Attending networking events or workshops can also help build experience as you will learn from those who currently work in the industry and are not just learning from a textbook. Many companies have industry events designed to help females get into or evolve in tech. This can also lead to job opportunities or referrals.
You can find some tips for networking as a woman in tech here.
What opportunities are there for female graduates in technology?
As the demand for skilled professionals in fields such as software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence continues to rise, there is an increasing amount of opportunities for female graduates. After graduating, they can continue to study further, gain work experience, or start applying for tech jobs straight away.
The best places to find tech jobs can be online on specialist job boards like Women in Tech Jobs, through recruitment agencies, career fairs, and by networking. Graduate schemes are also very beneficial to those finishing university. Most large companies offer graduate schemes which allows techies to get into the working world. Most grad schemes last around 2 years, but companies give you full training within the field and sometimes allow you to go on external courses too in order to broaden your knowledge further.
To read a more detailed graduate guide for women in technology, please click here.
Read our complete guide to Graduate Schemes in 2024 here.
