Are you interested in a career in the tech industry? Synopsys’ Niyati Shah outlines five tips to help set women up for success.
In this digital era, technology is an integral part of our lives. What we buy; how we sleep, eat, and work; and how we meet and communicate with each other—it’s all done through technology. Some of the twenty-first century’s greatest inventions—3D printing, augmented reality, gene editing, or evenSo I was taken aback to learn that women make up only 26% of the workforce in today’s technology industry, and that compelled me to think deeply about my own personal experiences.
Many times in boardrooms and executive meetings, I was the only woman present and I had to fight to have my voice heard. At times, people judged my ability because I was woman. I had to overcome these challenges and persevere, trusting my own abilities, and most importantly, surrounding myself with great female mentors and creating a circle of trust.Despite having the qualifications for a job, women in tech often have to take a backseat due to juggling their families and career.
These statistics clearly show that a transformation is required in how we are operating. It’s time for a change. But how can women who want to work in the tech industry overcome the challenges we’re facing, particularly during a pandemic that has only exacerbated the problem?Never underestimate the power of mentorship. Mentors help women gain insight into professional and personal growth opportunities.
How can you get started? Mentors can help you understand what skills are most valued in your field. You can also look at some of the required skillsets in your desired career path to determine what development topics or interests it would be beneficial to pursue.Women need to be advocates for others, but they also need to be advocates for themselves. Never be afraid to speak up for yourself and go after what you want.