Standing out: Tips for non-binary professionals and women in tech careers
Whether you want to break into tech or progress an existing career, check out these tips to overcome industry barriers and build technical skills to stand out.
Aug 11, 2023 • 4 Minute Read
More than half of people in technology and product roles are white men. Men also hold 80% of executive leadership roles in tech. And according to research by Accenture, half of women who go into tech drop out by the time they’re 35.
Surprised? Probably not. Between the gender pay gap, pervasive stereotypes, and non-inclusive workplace cultures, various barriers discourage women and non-binary people from entering tech—and may drive them out of the industry once they’re there.
Whether you’re looking to break into the industry, transition to a technical role, or thrive where you are, check out these tips for successful tech careers.
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The challenge facing non-binary professionals and women in tech
91% of senior human resources officers (SHROs) say that attracting women with tech experience or education is critical for their company’s success. They know that having a diverse workforce drives innovation, creativity, and overall profitability.
Despite this, many SHROs struggle to understand the challenges non-binary professionals and women in tech face. In fact, SHROs are twice as likely as women to say it’s “easy for women to thrive in tech.” As a result, they don’t always provide the resources or support women and non-binary professionals need to succeed.
4 career tips for non-binary professionals and women in tech
If you’re facing a lack of support (on top of imposter syndrome), a successful career as a non-binary technologist or woman in tech can seem impossible. But honing certain skills and gaining real-world experience can help you overcome these barriers.
1. Build technical skills and knowledge
You might be breaking into the tech industry for the first time, returning after a leave of absence, or shifting into a tech role from a non-technical one. Depending on your journey, you may need certain tech skills or knowledge.
For example, if you’re an aspiring engineer, you need to learn basic Python skills. If you’re an experienced engineer, maybe you want to learn a new programming language. If you’re a data scientist, you may want to learn more about generative AI to find ways to apply it to your work.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand what you want to learn and why. Is the skill necessary for a role? Will it future-proof your career? Assist with an upcoming project? A skill assessment can help you assess your current skill levels and identify any strengths and opportunities.
2. Make time to learn
Once you’ve determined which skills to learn, set aside dedicated learning time. If you’re struggling to make time to upskill, experts suggest breaking the topic into manageable chunks. Focus only on the skills or modules you need to learn. You don’t need to complete an entire course.
If you’re still struggling to find motivation, take a break or learn something you’re passionate about, even if you can’t directly connect it to your tech career yet.
3. Gain real-world experience
You may already have the tech skills and knowledge you need to be successful, whether that’s through a formal education, certification, bootcamp, or internship.
In that case, you don’t need tech training, but you may benefit from developing specific soft skills or learning how to navigate the intricacies of tech workplace culture. Work with your manager, find a mentor or professional network, or join a program like Girls Who Code or AnitaB.org who can help you learn how to:
Navigate code reviews
Give and receive feedback
Advocate for a promotion or raise
Handle imposter syndrome and burnout
Identify transferable skills from previous work experience
4. Prioritize an inclusive workplace culture
In inclusive workplace cultures, women in tech are more likely to love their job and earn promotions. The opposite is true in non-inclusive tech environments.
The bottom line: Inclusive workplaces are fundamental to thriving as a woman or non-binary tech professional.
You probably know if your workplace is safe on an intuitive level. But there are certain green and red flags to look for. Consider whether your current or prospective organization has:
Women and non-binary professionals in leadership roles
Mentorship programs or employee resource groups (ERGs) for non-binary professionals and women in tech
Inclusive benefits and networking events
How to stand out during the recruitment process
You’ve finally landed an interview for a tech role. Now what? There are a few things you can do to put your best foot forward and stand out during the recruitment process.
Practice with mock interviews
First things first: Practice, practice, practice. Look up common interview questions for the role and use the STAR method to form thoughtful responses.
Then ask a friend or mentor to conduct a mock interview with you. Organizations like Girls Who Code and AnitaB.org can also help. Mock interviews give you the opportunity to form your answers out loud and get feedback from someone with interview experience.
Advocate for yourself
Research shows that women are less likely to promote themselves than men. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. One small way to do this is to speak about your accomplishments using “I” instead of “we.”
Say this: Because I fixed a critical bug, my team was able to launch a new product on time and ultimately increase customer satisfaction by 5%.
Instead of this: My team launched a new project that contributed to a 5% increase in customer satisfaction.
Emphasize your individual achievements rather than the whole team’s. It’s okay to show your enthusiasm, too. You may be scared to express how much you want a role, but managers want to hire someone who’s genuinely interested in their organization.
Track your impact
Once you’ve landed the role, continue to advocate for yourself and your success. Ask for feedback, keep upskilling, showcase your transferable skills, and track your impact (with hard metrics if you have them) to earn promotions and communicate your value.
Building a successful career as non-binary professionals or women in tech
Building a successful tech career is just that: building. It’s an intentional process of assembling the role, skills, and support you need to thrive. Here are some resources to get you started:
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