The tech industry is one to be reckoned with. Sure, other markets have also grown and evolved over the years, but there's no denying the unparalleled impact tech has had on our everyday lives. However, there's an issue behind the scenes that needs addressing - and when better to discuss it than on International Women's Day?
The start-up scene is continuing to grow - and so is the number of female founders behind them. Great news, right? However, there's still an obvious gap between men and women when it comes to working in the technology field. According to research carried out by Deloitte, women makeup just 14.4% of people who work in science, technology, engineering and maths(STEM) in the UK - which is less than the 17% reported in 2017 by UK-RAS. While there are certainly fewer inequalities in IT-based fields than there were previously, it's clear that the technology industry is still a male-dominated one - and it's not because of qualifications, might we add.
In an article published by alphr, developer and engineer Randi Harper comments on the issue at hand - and he isn't blaming education, or a lack of. "Women continue to leave the industry because it's so toxic," he claimed. "Trying to get more women to go to school for STEM [science, technology, engineering, maths ] is the wrong approach; we need to attack the problem of fixing the environment to make it a place where they can stay," he concluded. We hear you, Randi.
That being said, there are now more and more celebrated women putting their influence to good use in the tech industry -take Karlie Kloss for instance. An accomplished model, Kloss has been shattering glass ceilings and breaking down barriers for young women all over America since founding Kode with Klossy in 2016. A charity organisation that enables girls between the ages of 13 and 18 to learn how to code, Kode with Klossy provides young women with the knowledge and skills they need to kick-start their career in tech.
Here, we discuss why the tech industry is suited to women everywhere.
It's fast-paced
Tech is constantly evolving, and that means the professionals working in the sector are too. With huge opportunities to learn new skills and hone current ones, the technology field gives back as much as you give to it - many start-ups and more established companies encourage theire mployees to enrol on courses that will leverage their output, and that's If you're looking for a role that's challenging and different from day to day, a job in the tech field is definitely one to consider.
It's flexible
The same can be said for many workplaces now, but tech positions have a real advantage when it comes to flexible working. In giving you the opportunity to learn online, and at your own pace, tech roles don't necessarily require higher education qualifications. Thanks to platform ssuch as Slack and Trello, the majority of office communication actually be carried out online - so if you find yourself feeling under the weather, or have an appointment during the week, many employers will allow you to work from home when getting to the office is difficult. This is especially relevant for women balancing a family with their profession - take it from us!
It's meaningful
It's undeniable that technology has the power to better lives all around the world, whether it's the latest healthcare app(ahem) that allows you to monitor your symptoms and seek advice, or a new device designed to improve your quality of life (ahem again). Dedicating your 9-5 that's working towards a greater good can only leave you feeling fulfilled, which is always something to be proud of.
It's global
Technology isn't popular in just a few locations - it's pretty much taking over the world (in a good way). This means a job in tech won't limit you should you wish to relocate or take the next step in your career elsewhere. Technology is everywhere, which means you can be too.
It's the future
Ultimately, technology is going places. A quick look back over the last few decades can illustrate just how much of an impact tech has had on the world so far, so we can only imagine what's to come. Landing a role with potential for growth is one thing, but securing a position that's making waves not only in the field but in a spectrum of industries, is another.
Sources:
https://internetofbusiness.com/women-in-tech-the-150bn-advantage-of-increasing-diversity/
https://www.womenwhotech.com/startupinfographic
[Image courtesy of Ying Ge / Unsplash]
If you’re interested in learning more or you’d like to read our in depth guides, join our newsletter.
%401x.svg){kind=icon}
