3 Essential Tips for Women Pursuing IT Careers

Let’s start with this: calling the disproportionate number of men vs. women in the tech world a “gender gap,” is like calling the Grand Canyon a “little valley.” It’s not a gap. It’s a monolithic crater. You can probably see it from outer space.

However, instead of seeing this as an impenetrable, rock solid barrier that is built to withstand the test of time — like masonry work done by Brickworks Property Restoration — women of all ages who dream of being an IT heroine should see it as a challenge: one that they are more than equipped to overcome.

To achieve that goal and make the tech landscape a saner, more sensible, and more successful place for everyone — including men — here are 3 essential tips:

1. Connect with other women

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the level of support you get from women who have blazed the trail before you, or who are entering IT at the same time and more than willing to contribute to a “buddy system” (hey, it works and there’s strength in numbers). Just remember to pay it forward when your career takes off and women are looking to you for advice, guidance, and support — both formal and behind the scenes.

2. Use your emotional intelligence to your advantage

One of the biggest reasons why the IT world is chaotic — for example, 79% of IT projects fail on some level — is that traditionally the view has been that things like collaboration, creativity, empathy, and building relationships with other teams and departments was pointless at best, destructive at worst, and distracting and inefficient at all times. Well, guess what? Multiple studies and surveys have confirmed beyond any doubt that these elements — which we can collectively refer to as Emotional Intelligence — are not just valuable, but they are essential to both team and organizational success.

The moral to this story is clear: instead of suppressing their emotional intelligence, women who enter the IT world should leverage these skills and continue cultivating them through ongoing learning and experiences. It’s what the IT world needs more than ever, because the old way of doing things isn’t working. In fact, in many cases it’s a disaster.

3. Don’t put up with sexism and bullying

This is much easier said than done; especially for women who are just starting their IT career, and don’t want to “rock the boat.” Well, here’s the problem with that: if you let other people rock the boat (and by the way, both sexism and bullying can be perpetrated by other women — not just men), then eventually the boat will capsize and victims can find themselves without a lifeboat.

So yes, you need a thick skin. But no, you definitely shouldn’t tolerate behavior that crosses the line. Remember, your employer has a legal obligation — and certainly a moral one — to provide you with a safe working environment. This is not a favor. This is part of your compensation, and what you should be getting in return for your labors. If your employer is failing in their obligation, then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.

The Road Ahead

One day, society will hopefully get to a place where the enormous gender divide in IT is viewed as a historical regret instead of a current reality. Until then, it’s up to women like you to forge ahead. Be true to yourself, play to your strengths, let your talents shine, and never forget that you are not alone. Everyone at Dot Com Women is with you, every step of the way!