“I never imagined I’d have a tech career, but I’m so glad I do”
Growing up, I never imagined I would work in tech. In my mind, it was so far from what I would enjoy, but I’m so glad I discovered the field.
My father worked in the defense field and he highlighted to me that the industry was lacking in diverse talent. I saw that they had some well-respected business graduate programs on offer, so I took the plunge and secured a spot – it was a ‘wow’ moment!
It was in that placement that I was truly exposed to the wide nature of technology and the job roles within the sector. Some of the cutting-edge ideas were incredible: next gen flight simulators, unmanned aerial vehicles, radars and sensors, to name but a few. It struck me that technology had an immense impact generally and also on the safety of our world.
I’m living proof that a career in tech doesn’t have to mean you’re actually working on pure technology aspects. My job role at AVEVA shows that a tech career can also incorporate the supporting business functions. For example, working in tech marketing calls for the ability to understand a technical concept but also to be able to translate it into layman’s terms. This type of marketing role requires an entirely different set of skills but is equally as valuable as a technical role.
Globally, businesses have some way to go in embracing gender equality through understanding and appreciating the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to the workplace.
Research shows that fewer than 1 in 5 women feel confident returning to work after maternity This stark statistic shows how we absolutely need to support women in returning to work, both directly after maternity leave and later in life. Global organizations must offer flexible terms, so that mothers can choose how they return to work, and how they work.
As mothers, we multitask, we prioritize, we ask questions, we manage, we delegate, and we have no option but to be organized. And we’ve also learned to say ‘no’. I would argue that these are all critical characteristics of any successful leader. Yet, the percentage of women in tech is still low and the vast majority simply aren’t making it up the career ladder at the same rate as men.
But for those of us who want to – and are fortunate enough to be able to – pursue tech careers, we show up, we deliver, we juggle and we most definitely pick up Lego from off the floor between conference calls.
I know that I have changed since becoming a mother and I like to think that gives me a different outlook which can benefit the business. I question things more: Is it important? What’s the priority? Will it add value?
Equally, I’m more empathetic and I’m more conscious of the challenges my colleagues may be facing in their personal lives. I try my best to work smarter, not longer, because the mental load of working full-time with two young children is intense.
We need to strive for equity for women who choose to return to work because their perspective brings a unique lens to the work environment, particularly in the traditionally male-dominated world of tech.
techUK is marching forward to close the tech gender gap in 2023. Throughout March, coinciding with International Women’s Day (IWD 2023) on 8 March, we are exploring how we embrace equitable workplaces. The UN’s theme for IWD 2023 focuses on Digital for All or DigitALL, and we are proud to support this.
For more information, please visit our Women in Tech hub.
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