5 Tips for Budding Female IT Specialists From Successful Women
Opportunities within the IT world continue to grow and morph. Women have a lot of choices, from 3D animation and web design to something like data entry. Still, starting a new career can feel overwhelming without some guidance. The following are five lessons from other women already making it big within the IT world.
Build an Honest Support System
There is a lot to consider after getting your Master of IT Leadership from a place like RMIT University, but one thing you cannot forget is building a support system or joining one wherever you go. Sandra Oh, a successful woman in IT, says that sticking with your fellow women makes you feel empowered. You are going to need these feelings to fuel your career, and you get to return the favor to your fellow womankind.
Work With the Bias
It would be nice to say that woman are going to be respected by every single client or coworker but that is not the case. You can use information this to your advantage. Knowing that some people are going to assume you are less technical than your male co-workers should inform the way you present your work. Sandra Oh suggests that you try to focus on the subjects you are comfortable with rather than something you still need to work on. Thankfully, those who went to RMIT online will be knowledgeable by the time you get a position though further education won’t hurt.
Be Assertive and Be You
The IT world is definitely male-dominated. This makes it harder to feel comfortable within the industry. Of course, this should not deter you, but it is something you need to come to terms with. Many of the successful women in this industry say that one vital thing to learn is how to own your voice. Remember that you were hired for a reason, and you need to own that whenever you feel intimidated. Present your ideas cohesively, and do not be afraid to challenge the norm. One successful woman within the industry, Erica Peterson, says that you need to find a way to create your opportunities because the likelihood of these opportunities being handed to you are slim.
Professional Female Guidance Matters
Another thing that is quite important for women attempting to navigate the male-dominated IT industry is finding a good mentor. Melinda Gates, an experienced commentator for tech and IT industries, said that finding a good mentor had a huge impact on her career. A mentor can come from anywhere, even from schools you might have attended like RMIT. Keep in mind that what you are attempting to do here with this mentor is learn from them and how to properly face the hurdles within this career. Do not try to use this opportunity just to land a job, which could seem a little disingenuous, and that is not good for anyone.
Be Sure to Open Doors
A successful businesswoman, Alisha Ramos, says that having role models that are the same gender as you is pretty important. It can help you feel like you can make it no matter the obstacles, which is vital for a budding IT specialist like you, but it is important to remember to share. You’re going to be opening doors in this male-dominated world, but you cannot shut those doors as you pass them. You need to be willing to help other women who are just starting off. You have not gotten your degree just yet or landed a good position, but it is important to remember that what you are going to learn as you move forward in your career is going to be invaluable to others as long as you are willing to help.
Hopefully, some of these lessons and advice from women in this field empowers you. There may be times when you feel intimidated, and you might even feel like your voice is betraying you, but try to fight through these feelings. You made it through your lessons. You are going to be hired, and it is all happening because you’ve earned it, no matter the IT area you decide to focus on.