Entrepreneur

Women in Tech Back/ And 5 Key Things Holding Them – and What Can Be Done

Published

2 years ago

February 24, 2022

Astrid

Women in Tech® is an international non-profit organization on a mission to close the gender gap and to help women embrace technology. We promote girls’ and women’s empowerment around the world, with a focus on Sustainable Development Goal 5b: harnessing technologies.

Women in Tech Back

The main reason for the small number of women in technology is due. To the lack of role models for women within the sector. And this is mainly down to the gender stereotype of ‘boys being better at science and maths. Another reason for there being so few women in technology is due to the lack of a talent pool.

A 2020 study by the AnitaB.org Institute found that women make up 28.8% of the tech workforce, a steady increase from the past few years — 25.9% in 2018 and 26.2% in 2019. The latest study analyzed data on more than half a million U.S. technologists at 51 participating companies.

Women in Tech Back

Maximum folks have heard the information: simplest 25% of expert computing occupations in the U.S. Are held by means of ladies, and ladies maintain simply 28% of STEM jobs in trendy. The latter is a variety that’s gotten increasing attention in recent years. It’s additionally quite a number that’s infrequently budged for decades.

Even women make up 47% of the U.S. hard work pressure as a whole. They’re vastly underrepresented in the era—a developing industry representing 10% of the countrywide financial system. And presenting nearly double the countrywide median wage. In different words, the above statistics represent a misplace opportunity for lots of women.

As an industry of change

As an industry of change, generation additionally has a huge impact on most people’s lives. when the humans making the selections and constructing the products are by and large guys, it isn’t just ladies running within the enterprise who lose out—it is women at huge.

So what’s taking place here? And what may be achieved approximately it? I sat down with three woman tech leaders: Emily Yale, a senior statistics scientist at shape safety; Lekisha Middleday-to-dayn, a career train, and community manager at Tech women; and Sheekha Singh, an every day everyday guarantee engineer at Artisan Studios and the author of “The IT girl: 3 Steps day-to-day discover profession options for girls in Tech.” We mentioned a number of the key troubles within the tech enterprise today and what can be done every day to solve them.

First Problem: A Skewed Hiring Process

In order to be hired into a tech job, women have to first go through the application and interview process. That’s easier said than done. Despite many companies’ efforts to recruit more diverse talent—including more women—research shows it’s natural for people to tend to hire candidates who are more like them. It’s called “affinity bias”—and when 75% of executive and senior positions in tech are held by men, that can put women at a serious disadvantage during hiring even when good intentions are at play.

Affinity bias can also start long before the interview, as job descriptions tend to reflect the backgrounds of the people who already hold, or have already held, these positions—which leaves little room for diversity. For example, surveys have shown that many top technology companies prefer candidates from top-tier or Ivy League universities—even when data suggest those candidates may not be of higher quality.

While this example may not put women at a disadvantage specifically, it is clear that highly specific job descriptions serve to bring the same kinds of people through the door.

“I think a lot of places put out job descriptions that are a laundry list of requirements, even with entry-level positions,” Yale said. “Right off the bat, we have cut down the number of candidates we might consider because we put up those barriers in terms of the application.”

How to Solve It

Hiring is one of these fowl-or-egg issues; while fewer women follow, fewer are employed. That results in fewer girls in hiring positions within the enterprise, and on it is going. As an end result, there are two sides to this answer. The primary is that companies want to make extra of a concerted effort to attain female candidates (in addition to a more numerous set of candidates from all varieties of backgrounds!).

That in all likelihood method assessing their hiring techniques, how and where they’re posting jobs, and the way they’re recruiting talent. It in all likelihood also means searching out boundaries to access that would be helping to maintain a greater homogeneous recruiting pool.

The other side of the solution lies with women themselves.

“Statistically, women don’t apply for jobs they don’t have every requirement for,” Middleton said. A survey of LinkedIn users found women take a more cautious approach to job hunting and are far less likely than men to apply for roles that are more senior to their current role. That needs to change.

Singh argues that, in addition to a lack of confidence, many women aren’t sure what skills and/or qualifications are required for a job in tech—and many assume the ability to code is a requirement. “Based on my research, girls think that tech is all about coding,” Singh said. “You could be a great manager or a great designer but women don’t know how to use those talents in tech.”

In other words, women need to look beyond what they may have been told, or led to believe, about tech and look for how their skills could fit into these roles. Employers can help here by making this more clear to potential applicants.

Second Problem: A Lack of a Strong Pipeline of Women in STEM Fields

According to Middleton, the lack of women working in tech can also be attributed to the school and university pipelines that should be feeding qualified female applicants into these positions. Studies show that isn’t happening.

Although girls take math and science courses in roughly equal numbers to boys, fewer women pursue majors in these areas in the university. By graduation, women earn only 20% of bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields. Female representation continues to decline through more advanced degrees and in the transition to the workplace.

“In the Western part of the world, and maybe the world in general. It’s assumed that girls are better at liberal arts and if they do go into sciences it tends not to be tech, but nursing,” Middleton said. “That interest in tech starts very early on.”

How to Solve It

The number of women in university STEM programs is growing, but companies with an eye toward making a change could do more to support this. Corporate mentoring programs, especially those that include women where possible, can help to retain more women in the profession.

Colleges need to be mindful of their role here as well—if they don’t have female faculty in STEM programs, they’ll likely be less able to create an environment that helps female students feel they belong.

Programs—and entry-level college courses—that teach young women about tech jobs have also been shown to help boost retention of women in these fields.

Third Problem: Lack of Support for Working Parents

The COVID-19 pandemic created all kinds of problems for working people. But one thing it revealed very clearly is how vulnerable women are to the impact that caregiving, whether for children or aging parents, had on their jobs. According to a survey by TrustRadius, women were most likely to take on additional caregiving responsibilities during the pandemic; 29% said they had taken on a greater childcare burden compared to 19% of men.

Forty-three percent of women also said they had taken on extra responsibilities at work compared to 33% of men respondents. As a result of the additional stress, more than 1.2 million people exited the workforce in 2020; 900,000 of them were women.

“Empathy is a big thing that is missing,” Middleton said. “Some companies rose to the occasion, but other companies were poster children for what not to do.”
This has already had a devastating impact on women’s contributions in the workplace; but it also revealed a pre-existing problem: many workplaces don’t make accommodations for working parents.
“The ability to support flexible work schedules is really important,” Yale said. “What we found [during the pandemic] is that women were disproportionately affected by them.”
Plus, while COVID-19 was an unfortunate and unforeseeable event, some of the things that occurred, as a result, were largely systemic. Parental discrimination, for example, disproportionately fell on women.
“My colleagues who had kids at home would have their managers micromanaging them,” Singh said. “Nobody asked me what I did and how much work I finished but this person’s stand-up status would be completely different.”

How to Solve It

The United States has one of the worst parental support systems in the world, including no paid federal maternity leave, lack of affordable childcare, and lack of other forms of parental and caregiver support. Studies have shown that paid parental leave increases women’s participation in the workforce—and may even reduce the gender pay gap.

Research from European countries, which outspend the United States in terms of annual public spending on early childhood care by 10 to 40 times, has shown that these policies have had a marked effect on the number of women in the workforce.

It’s no wonder workplaces aren’t supporting parents and caregivers—the lack of support at the federal level likely sets the tone. Even so, employers can—and should—step up here. While supporting parents and caregivers has a cost, several studies also suggest improvements in employee retention may outweigh the cost of paid leave.

An increasing number of corporations are also considering subsidized childcare—with positive results for the bottom line. Consider those 900,000 women who left the workforce during COVID-19; that undoubtedly had an impact on the bottom line as well.

Fourth Problem: Lack of Internal Support and Mentorship

Do you have, or have you ever, relied on a mentor at work? If you’re a woman, the odds are against you. The smaller number of women in tech—especially in management and executive roles—means women working their way up the ladder have fewer people like them to aspire to and fewer advocates to help them along on their journey.

“The very nature of women being ‘the only’ in a room is problematic,” Middleton said. “I’ve been the only woman or the only Black person on a team and it can be very daunting.”

According to Singh, who interviewed more than 20 women from around the world for her book, “The IT Girl,” many said having female mentorship was crucial to climbing the career ladder.

“That’s how I got most of my jobs as well,” Singh said. “It’s always been referrals and just someone I know referring me. Just staying in touch makes all the difference.”

How to Solve It

Middleton recommends women form a strong network—both within and outside their organizations. And, while it’s nice to have a woman or two to commiserate with, she says male allies are just as important.

“Up until I started my consulting career, my biggest supporters were men. Getting allies in leadership is key, no matter the gender,” Middleton said. “Build solid relationships. That’s the one skill set that has served me the best.”

And, while it’s unfair to put the burden of mentorship on women. Part of the solution to getting more women in tech lies in their mentorship as well.

“I had a manager who was a woman and that was exciting for me because there weren’t many others,” Yale said. “But when I tried talking to her about some of the challenges of being the only woman in a leadership role, she said ‘I just have thick skin.’ I didn’t see that advice as very helpful or applicable to me.”

Singh shared a similar experience. “I worked with this one woman who was amazing…but she never had a minute to speak to me or anyone else in the company. Everyone was praising her for being at that level; but when you’re there, what is it you are doing to help others? Yes, there’s representation, but it might be of no use.”

For women in key roles in the tech world, this extra bit of responsibility may be unwelcome—especially when their gender means the job may already be tougher for them than their male colleagues.

Fifth Problem: Tech’s “Bro” Culture

Silicon Valley’s reputation for having a “bro” culture is no secret. It’s been in the news for years. Whole books have been written about it and its impact. Of course, though, the problem extends far beyond Silicon Valley. According to TrustRadius’ 2021 Women in Tech Report, 72% of women in tech said they worked at a company where “bro culture is pervasive.”

Not only does this mean women have to deal with bro culture’s manifestations. Which can range from an uncomfortable work environment to sexual harassment. And sexual assault, also means they’ll struggle to feel included, welcome. And confident enough to reach for the same heights as their male colleagues.

The tech industry’s bro culture can also mean women miss out on socializing. And networking opportunities can be so crucial in helping them move forward in their careers. Yale cites conferences as a stressful environment for women as a result of the stark gender imbalance and alcohol consumption.

“There are a lot of necessary guards women have about being in those positions. Which also means you miss out on networking because you feel uncomfortable or unsafe,” Yale said.

Singh, who has spent most of her career working in startups, says she sees it in the Slack channels. Where offensive and inappropriate memes and gifs may be shared with abandon.

“That’s where you can begin to lose your confidence and the urge to fit into that culture. That’s where you can feel left out,” Singh said.

How to Solve It

The problem with bro culture is most likely to be resolve by having more women in tech roles, especially at the highest levels. That includes investors.

“The money that comes out of Silicon Valley is white, privileged money,” Middleton said. “I’m glad to see more women founders and more women billionaires. Money is power, so that shift will occur.”

While the venture capital industry has made limited headway in terms of female leadership over the past 10 years, the number of funds started by women or BIPOC has grown significantly. This leadership is likely to help shift the kinds of companies that are fund. The makeup of their leadership, and, as a result, their corporate culture.

In Conclusion

However, if there is anything you think we are missing. Don’t hesitate to inform us by dropping your advice in the comment section.

Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below!

Read More: You can find more here https://www.poptalkz.com/.

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Entrepreneur

Smart Career Decisions Made Simple

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

Astrid

This article will guide you through the process of simplifying smart career decisions, ensuring that each step is both manageable and impactful.

Understanding Your Goals

Before embarking on a career journey, take the time to understand your goals. Reflect on your personal and professional aspirations, considering both short-term and long-term objectives. This self-awareness lays the foundation for making informed decisions that align with your vision for the future.

A. Identifying Personal and Professional Aspirations

Understanding your personal and professional aspirations is the foundational step in crafting a meaningful and fulfilling career. Personal aspirations encompass your individual desires, values, and lifestyle preferences. They might include achieving work-life balance, making a positive impact on society, or pursuing creative endeavors.

On the other hand, professional aspirations focus on your career goals, the level of success you aim to achieve, and the impact you want to make in your chosen field. These could involve climbing the corporate ladder, becoming an industry expert, or even starting your own business.

To identify your aspirations, take time for self-reflection. Ask yourself what brings you joy, what values are important to you, and where you see yourself in the long run. By aligning your personal and professional aspirations, you lay the groundwork for a career that is not only successful but also personally fulfilling.

B. Evaluating Long-Term Career Objectives

Evaluating long-term career objectives is a strategic process that involves setting ambitious yet achievable goals for your professional journey. Long-term objectives provide a roadmap, guiding your career decisions and actions over an extended period.

Start by envisioning where you see yourself in five, ten, or even twenty years. Consider the skills you want to acquire, the positions you aim to hold, and the impact you wish to make in your industry. It’s essential to be both realistic and ambitious in defining these objectives, ensuring they stretch your capabilities while remaining achievable with dedication and effort.

Regularly reassess and adjust your long-term career objectives as your professional landscape evolves. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances while staying focused on your overarching goals.

Self-Assessment Tools

In today’s digital age, numerous self-assessment tools can aid in understanding your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values. Leveraging these tools provides valuable insights that enhance your decision-making process. Embrace self-assessment as a tool for self-discovery and clarity.

A. Exploring the Use of Career Assessment Tools

Career assessment tools are invaluable resources for individuals navigating their professional paths. These tools come in various forms, including personality assessments, skills tests, and interest inventories. They provide objective insights into your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and aptitudes.

By exploring these tools, you gain a comprehensive understanding of yourself, which forms the basis for informed career decisions. For instance, a personality assessment can reveal whether you thrive in collaborative or independent work environments, guiding your choice of professions. Skills tests can identify areas for improvement and development, directing your efforts towards acquiring valuable competencies.

Incorporate career assessment tools into your journey, treating them as allies in your quest for self-discovery and professional growth. Their insights will illuminate potential career paths that align with your unique attributes.

B. How Self-Assessment Enhances Decision-Making

Self-assessment is a powerful tool that enhances decision-making by bringing clarity and insight into your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. When faced with career decisions, self-assessment enables you to make choices that align with your authentic self.

Through self-assessment, you gain a deep understanding of your skills, allowing you to leverage them effectively in your career. It also highlights areas where improvement is needed, prompting intentional skill development.

Moreover, self-assessment fosters a sense of self-awareness that extends beyond tangible skills. It encompasses your values, interests, and motivations, providing a holistic view of what truly matters to you. This self-awareness serves as a compass, guiding you towards decisions that resonate with your authentic self.

Industry Research

Staying informed about current industry trends is essential. Conduct thorough research on potential career paths to identify emerging opportunities and challenges. A well-informed decision ensures that your career remains relevant and resilient in a dynamic job market.

A. The Significance of Understanding Current Industry Trends

Staying abreast of current industry trends is paramount for anyone aiming for sustained success in their career. Industries are dynamic, with trends evolving rapidly due to technological advancements, market shifts, and changing consumer behaviors.

Understanding these trends positions you as a proactive and informed professional. It allows you to anticipate changes, identify emerging opportunities, and adapt your skills and strategies accordingly. Whether it’s the adoption of new technologies, shifts in consumer preferences, or changes in regulatory landscapes, staying informed about industry trends ensures you remain relevant and competitive.

To stay ahead, regularly engage with industry publications, attend conferences, and participate in professional forums. This knowledge not only enhances your decision-making but also showcases your commitment to staying at the forefront of your field.

B. Conducting Comprehensive Research on Potential Career Paths

Before embarking on a new career path, conducting comprehensive research is essential for making informed decisions. This involves a thorough exploration of the specific roles, responsibilities, and requirements associated with potential careers.

Start by gathering information about the job market demand for the chosen career, the typical career trajectory, and the skills and qualifications needed. Seek insights from professionals already working in the field through informational interviews or networking events. Understanding the day-to-day realities of a particular career helps you assess whether it aligns with your interests, values, and long-term objectives.

Additionally, research potential employers, industry growth projections, and any challenges the industry may be facing. A well-informed decision at this stage can save you time and effort in the long run, ensuring you embark on a career path that suits both your aspirations and the realities of the job market.

Skill Analysis and Development

Assess your existing skill set and identify areas for improvement. Develop a strategic plan for skill enhancement, whether through formal education, workshops, or hands-on experience. Continuous skill development ensures you stay competitive and adaptable.

A. Assessing Existing Skills and Identifying Gaps

A crucial aspect of effective career planning is a candid assessment of your existing skills. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas where improvement is needed. This self-awareness serves as the foundation for strategic career development.

Start by listing the skills you currently possess, both technical and soft skills. Then, compare this list with the skills demanded in your desired career path. Identify any gaps or areas where additional skills are required for success.

This process not only highlights the skills you can leverage but also guides your focus on skill development. It ensures that your efforts are directed towards acquiring the competencies most valued in your chosen field, enhancing your employability and setting you on a trajectory for success.

B. Strategies for Skill Development and Enhancement

Once you’ve identified skill gaps, it’s time to develop a strategic plan for enhancement. Consider a mix of formal education, workshops, certifications, and practical experience to build a well-rounded skill set.

Investigate courses or training programs that align with the specific skills needed for your chosen career. Seek mentorship or guidance from professionals who have excelled in those areas. Embrace opportunities for hands-on experience, as practical application often solidifies theoretical knowledge.

Additionally, staying abreast of industry advancements and continuously updating your skills ensures you remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. Commit to a lifelong learning mindset, where skill development becomes an ongoing journey rather than a one-time effort.

Networking and Mentorship

Building a strong professional network is invaluable. Seek mentorship from experienced individuals in your desired field. Their guidance can provide unique perspectives, insider knowledge, and a support system as you navigate your career journey.

A. Building a Strong Professional Network

Building a robust professional network is a cornerstone of career success. Networking opens doors to opportunities, facilitates knowledge exchange, and provides a support system throughout your career journey.

Attend industry events, join professional associations, and actively participate in online forums relevant to your field. Establish genuine connections with colleagues, peers, and industry leaders. Networking isn’t just about what others can do for you; it’s also about how you can contribute to the professional community.

Regularly engage with your network through informational interviews, mentorship relationships, and collaborative projects. A strong professional network not only broadens your access to job opportunities but also enriches your professional experience through diverse perspectives and insights.

B. The Role of Mentors in Shaping Career Decisions

Mentorship is a powerful catalyst for career growth and development. A mentor, with their wealth of experience and insights, can provide guidance, share valuable lessons, and help navigate the complexities of a chosen career path.

Seek mentors who have excelled in the areas you aspire to explore. Their guidance can range from offering career advice and helping you set realistic goals to providing constructive feedback on your professional journey.

Mentorship goes beyond just career guidance; it often involves personal development as well. Mentors can help you navigate challenges, build resilience, and instill a sense of confidence in your abilities. Their influence can be instrumental in shaping not just your career decisions but also your overall professional identity.

Education and Continuous Learning

Investing in education is a lifelong commitment. Whether through formal degrees, certifications, or online courses, prioritize continuous learning. An evolving skill set not only enhances your employability but also opens doors to new and exciting opportunities.

A. The Impact of Education on Career Choices

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping career choices, influencing not only the range of opportunities available but also the skills and knowledge needed for success. The level and type of education one pursues can significantly impact their career trajectory.

For many professions, a specific educational background is a prerequisite. Completing higher education, whether through a university degree or specialized training, opens doors to a broader array of career options. Furthermore, education provides a foundational understanding of industry-specific concepts, best practices, and theoretical frameworks.

In today’s competitive job market, employers often value candidates with relevant educational qualifications. It serves as an indicator of commitment, discipline, and a willingness to invest in one’s professional development. While education is not the sole determinant of success, it undoubtedly shapes the initial path and opportunities available in one’s career journey.

B. Emphasizing the Importance of Continuous Learning

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the importance of continuous learning cannot be overstated. Regardless of your career stage, ongoing education ensures that you remain adaptable, informed, and equipped to navigate changes in your industry.

Continuous learning extends beyond formal education and includes staying updated on industry trends, attending workshops, participating in webinars, and engaging with professional development opportunities. It’s a proactive approach to acquiring new skills, deepening existing knowledge, and staying ahead in an ever-changing job market.

Embracing a mindset of continuous learning positions you as a dynamic professional, capable of evolving with the demands of your field. It also demonstrates to employers that you are committed to staying relevant and contributing meaningfully to your organization.

Exploring Diverse Opportunities

Consider exploring unconventional career paths. Embrace diversity in your choices, allowing for a broader range of possibilities. Sometimes, the most fulfilling careers are found outside the traditional norms.

A. Considering Unconventional Career Paths

Traditionally, career paths were often seen as linear progressions within established industries. However, the contemporary job market encourages individuals to consider unconventional career paths that may not follow the traditional norms.

Considering unconventional career paths involves thinking creatively about how your skills and passions can be applied in non-traditional settings. This might include entrepreneurship, freelancing, or exploring industries that may not be directly related to your initial field of study.

Unconventional career paths can offer unique opportunities for innovation, personal growth, and fulfillment. They allow individuals to break away from conventional constraints and chart a course that aligns more closely with their individual aspirations and values. Embracing an unconventional path requires a willingness to take calculated risks, resilience, and a spirit of exploration.

B. Benefits of Embracing Diversity in Career Choices

Embracing diversity in career choices is not only a reflection of societal inclusivity but also a strategic move for personal and professional enrichment. Diverse career choices contribute to a more well-rounded skill set, diverse perspectives, and increased adaptability.

Individuals who explore a variety of career paths gain a breadth of experience that can be advantageous in various situations. Exposure to different industries, work cultures, and job roles enhances problem-solving abilities and fosters creativity. It also promotes adaptability, making individuals more resilient in the face of changing career landscapes.

Moreover, embracing diversity in career choices contributes to personal fulfillment. It allows individuals to pursue passions, explore interests, and find meaning in their professional lives. By breaking away from conventional norms, one can create a career journey that aligns with their unique strengths and values.

Balancing Passion and Practicality

Finding a balance between passion and practicality is key. While pursuing your interests is essential, it’s equally crucial to consider financial stability. Strive for a career that aligns with your passion while providing the necessary resources for a comfortable life.

Adaptability in the Job Market

The job market is dynamic, and adaptability is a valuable skill. Stay informed about industry changes and be prepared to pivot when necessary. Adaptability ensures you remain resilient and relevant in the face of evolving professional landscapes.

Embracing Challenges

Challenges are inevitable in any career. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and development. Overcoming obstacles builds resilience and determination, essential qualities for long-term success.

Work-Life Integration

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being. Consider how your career choices align with your personal life goals. Strive for integration, where your career complements and enhances your life rather than overshadowing it.

Decision-Making Strategies

Effective decision-making is a skill that can be honed. Utilize strategies such as weighing pros and cons, seeking advice from mentors, and considering long-term implications. Overcoming common decision-making challenges ensures you make choices aligned with your values and goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the key to a successful and fulfilling career lies in a thoughtful blend of education, continuous learning, and the courage to explore diverse and unconventional paths. By understanding industry trends, assessing skills, and building a strong network, individuals can navigate their professional journeys with resilience and adaptability.

Remember, a commitment to lifelong learning, an openness to unconventional opportunities, and a celebration of diverse career choices are the cornerstones of a dynamic and rewarding career. In a world of ever-evolving possibilities, embracing change and diversity ensures not just professional success, but a journey marked by personal growth and satisfaction.

Entrepreneur

Sponsorship Jobs in Canada – Top 10 to 15 List of Wow Jobs Alerts

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2023

Astrid

Canada Jobs are not easy to get from some people’s view but this page made it very easy and smooth for you to get best top 10 – 15 list of Sponsorship Jobs in Canada – Wow free Jobs Alerts. (more…)

Entrepreneur

How To Move To Canada As A Skilled Worker

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2023

Astrid

However, on this particular page we are going to learn more about a Skilled Worker, and also the best way to move to any country of your choice. But the main place we are learning today is how you to move to Canada as a Skilled Worker. (more…)