The gender gap in the tech industry is staggering. Despite having a long history in the industry, it has taken decades to get women in leadership positions.
Increasing the number of women and their access to tech jobs would enhance economic opportunities for women as well as help address the dearth of skilled workers for certain jobs and boost the digital economy. Women’s participation in designing and developing tech products and services will improve technology’s relevance for females as consumers, further bolstering innovation and economic growth.
In order to close this gender gap, it is important to provide more opportunities and access for women in the tech industry so that their voices can be heard and counted when it comes to shaping the future of digital technologies.
Here’s some practical action you can take to land your dream job in tech in 2023:
1. Pursue technical certifications and diplomas.
Education is key to any successful career, and technology is no different. Pursue technical certifications and diplomas as they will give you a leg up in the competition for tech jobs. Not only will this improve your chances of getting hired, but it will also validate your skills and knowledge in the field. Certifications from industry-recognised organisations like Microsoft can go a long way in boosting your CV.
2. Get involved in tech communities and networks.
Connecting with other professionals and sharing your knowledge is key to success in any field, but it’s especially important when pursuing a career in technology. Joining online communities, attending industry events and chatting with like-minded individuals is a great way to keep up with the latest trends, learn about new technologies and meet potential employers.
3. Take online courses and workshops.
Online courses and workshops are an excellent way to get your foot in the door of the tech world without leaving home. Many top companies offer online learning opportunities that can equip you with the skills you need for a successful career in technology.
4. Get involved with open source projects.
Open source projects are an excellent way to gain experience working on cutting-edge technologies while also contributing to something larger than yourself. Participating in open source projects provides you with exposure to global technology trends as well as valuable skills for finding employment in tech companies later on down the road (if that’s what you want). Consider joining an open source project that aligns with your interests or expertise so you can get started quickly.
5. Volunteer for tech initiatives.
Volunteering for tech initiatives is a great way to get your foot in the door of the tech world without having to leave home. Many top companies offer volunteer opportunities that can equip you with the skills you need for a successful career in technology. For example, Google volunteers its time and resources to help develop Street View and Android apps for developing countries. Crowdrise helps people raise money for causes they care about by matching charitable donations from individual donors. These are just two examples, so there’s no excuse not to find something that interests you and get involved!
6. Get involved with hackathons.
Hackathons are events where developers from all over come together to build innovative software projects in a short amount of time. They’re a great way to learn new programming languages or techniques, meet potential employers and build collaborative relationships in the tech community. Check out hackathon websites like HACKcelerator or Hackupland to find upcoming hackathons near you.
7. Start your own technology business.
There’s no doubt that starting your own technology business is an ambitious undertaking, but it can be one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue. With so many innovative startups popping up every day, there’s sure to be something that interests you and fits your skill set. Don’t be afraid to take on greater challenges as you venture into entrepreneurship – after all, that’s what makes startups such powerful engines of innovation and economic growth.
8. Use social media platforms strategically.
Social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking and building relationships with potential employers and clients. However, they also offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to share their ideas and products with a wider audience quickly and easily. Use social media platforms strategically – not just as marketing platforms – to encourage others to give your product or idea a try and provide feedback early on in development life cycle.
9. Consider online course certification programs.
Online course certification programs like Udemy can help you gain the skills you need for a successful career in technology. They offer courses on a variety of subjects, from web development to programming languages, and they typically have short course durations (around 10 hours) that make them easy to fit into your busy schedule. Many of these courses also have active communities of students and professionals who can offer feedback and support as you learn.
10. Advocate for Yourself.
There are countless ways to achieve success in your tech career, and the key is to do what interests you and puts you in the best position to succeed. By following the advice in this article, you can start building the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in technology.
11. Get a mentor.
If you’re looking for someone to guide you through the tech job search process, look no further than the online community of professionals. Start by searching for groups and forums dedicated to technology careers and then reach out to members for advice and feedback. You might be surprised at how willing they are to share their experience and expertise.
The best way to achieve success in any field is to keep your eyes open for opportunities and challenges that are unique to your area of expertise. When you confront obstacles and win challenges, you’ll quickly develop the skills and experience necessary for a successful career in tech.
Don’t be discouraged if your early efforts don’t result in immediate success. As long as you’re pursuing goals that are challenging but achievable, you’ll be on the path to success in your tech career.