Women in tech share insights ahead of International Women's Day

Women working in technology at Assured Data Protection have shared their insights and advice for others entering the industry, especially in anticipation of International Women's Day.

Sarah Richardson, Senior Developer at Assured Data Protection, outlined her role which includes the development and maintenance of software solutions and collaboration with various teams. She emphasised the importance of learning and identifying knowledge gaps for women entering tech and STEM. "My advice is to seek opportunities to learn whenever possible and identify knowledge gaps that you can address. Cultivate a robust network through your colleagues and industry events," Richardson suggested, pointing to the value of mentorship and encouragement among women in tech.

Richardson recommended fostering inclusivity at work by implementing workplace accommodations into the company's structure, rather than waiting for employees to request them. "Examples include flexible work hours, automatically generated meeting notes, closed captioning/transcripts, and uninterrupted work time. Workplace accommodations benefit all employees, not just women, those with disabilities, or individuals who are neurodiverse," she added.

Melissa de Carvalho Bernardino, a Junior Install Engineer at the same company, spoke about her responsibilities which include setting up new customers and ensuring their systems are functional before transitioning them to client support teams. She advised women in tech to surround themselves with supportive and challenging people and to be assertive about their ideas and concerns. "Perseverance and self-belief are key, especially in tech, where navigating challenges requires a steadfast commitment to your goals," Bernardino noted.

Bernardino addressed the gender pay gap by encouraging women to enhance their skill sets and demonstrate their value within their organisations. "When implementing new ideas, always gather data and evidence to support your ideas, and be sensitive and smart about explaining and implementing them," she advised. She also highlighted the impact of mentorship on the development of leadership skills for women aspiring to be leaders.

Anastasia Miles, an Installation Engineer, described her role which includes installing and configuring applications, troubleshooting issues, and providing technical support. She advised women to maintain a mindset of continuous learning and to stay updated on industry trends. "Seeking out mentorship from experienced professionals, both within and outside their organization, can provide invaluable guidance and support in navigating career challenges and opportunities," she noted.

Miles urged women to support each other in their organisations by fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment and advocating for each other's advancement. She stated, "By lifting each other up, women can collectively drive positive change and progress in their organizations and beyond." To develop leadership, she encouraged taking on project leadership roles and challenges beyond comfort zones, underlining the value of mentorship in accelerating leadership growth.

The insights from these women highlight the shared belief in mentorship, continuous learning, and inclusivity as key components to thriving in the technology sector. Their advice provides a roadmap for women aiming to navigate and excel in tech and STEM fields.