Women Techmakers: 10 Tips to succeed in career
Women techmakers – ambitious and talented women – are breaking through the barriers of the tech industry.
In this article, we'll explore the essential qualities and strategies that make women techmakers successful, from taking on challenging projects to building a strong network.
Whether you're just starting out in tech or looking to take your career to the next level, these insights will help you thrive and make a positive impact on your careers.
Take on challenging projects
Identify areas where you want to grow, whether it's learning a new programming language or gaining more experience in a specific area of tech.
Set clear goals for the project and establish a realistic timeline for completion. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and give you a clear sense of progress as you work towards your objectives.
Break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks to make it more approachable. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, and allow you to focus on one task at a time.
Happy New Month to every woman in tech giving their best!
— Empower Her Community (@empowerhercom) March 1, 2023
It's time to set your monthly goals. It's the last month of the quarter, let's do it with a bang!#WomenInTech#EHC#March2023 pic.twitter.com/M2HR2khX5v
Set your goals right#tech #programming #100dayscoding #techinnnewi #womenintech #2023 #goals #techhub pic.twitter.com/L5p8r3iUak
— Ice Hub (@IceHub11) January 6, 2023
Seek out leadership opportunities
Build leadership skills by attending training programs or workshops, reading leadership books, or taking online courses.
Look for opportunities to lead projects or initiatives within your current job or volunteer for leadership positions in industry-related organisations.
Seek out opportunities to speak at industry events or conferences, sharing your insights and expertise with others.
It’s already been a week into #30DaysofNetworking and for Day 8:
— Rashi Desai (@rpdesai24) August 13, 2019
Don’t focus on constantly trying to network with leaders. Seek out and showcase your leadership; jobs, people and opportunities will definitely come to you!#Networking #Business #WomenInTech #Entrepreneurs
Stop waiting to be asked or chosen to speak at a conference in 2021. Use google to search for tech conferences, women empowerment conferences, etc. Apply now…. secure your own speaking engagements. The virtual stage is waiting for you !!
— Kanika Tolver (@KanikaTolver) December 20, 2020
Keep learning
Join a study group or community of learners who share your interests and can support your learning journey.
Get feedback and evaluate your progress regularly to adjust your learning plan as needed.
Collaborate with colleagues on projects to learn from their experiences and develop new skills.
Technology is a neverending story. It only stops when you stop. Keep Learning. Keep Growing. Keep Sharing. Most importantly keep Supporting. #WomenWhoCode #womenintech #WomenInSTEM #100DaysOfCode #CodeNewbie #DEVCommunity #techblogs #developers #develop
— Cheryl A (@ctechdiva) November 23, 2020
If is Friyay
— Nsonye - Bridging the African Tech gender gap (@Nsonye_) January 20, 2023
Dear #WomeninTech Remember to properly round up your activities for this week. Do not carry it over.
Tick your boxes, and evaluate your progress this week.
Remember, "I finish whatever I start"#TGIF pic.twitter.com/J6h4CmkgRz
Advocate for yourself and your ideas
Prepare your ideas. Before you pitch your ideas to your colleagues or managers, make sure you have a solid understanding of what you are proposing. Do your research, gather data to support your ideas, and prepare a clear and concise pitch that highlights the benefits of your proposal.
Present your ideas in a clear and concise manner during the meetings. Be open to feedback and questions, and be prepared to address any concerns or objections.
Follow up with your colleagues or manager after the meeting to see if there are any next steps or actions to take. If your ideas were well received, ask if there is an opportunity to move forward with implementation.
Can’t stop thinking about an idea presented at a women in tech event I was at…
— Mel Kaulfuß | @[email protected] (@MelissaKaulfuss) August 26, 2021
“To get your work or idea supported by others in the room sometimes you may need to get a man to present it”
I can’t even. Take up space. Claim it as your own ladies
No matter who you are or what others have told you, "your ideas matter." Speak up and voice your ideas. You'll never know what kind of impact you can make if you don't believe in the power of your thoughts!#womenintech #yourideasmatter pic.twitter.com/V8LMcBo2WE
— Pinnacle Communications Group (@pincomgroup) February 13, 2021
Role Models and Mentors
Seek out mentors who can offer guidance and support as you navigate your career in tech. This might be senior leaders in your organisation or industry, or other women who have similar experiences and can provide advice based on their own experiences.
Reach out and establish a relationship. Regular check-ins, asking for advice or feedback on specific challenges you are facing, or simply keeping in touch and sharing updates on your progress.
Learn from the experiences of your mentor or role model. Ask questions, listen to their insights, and try to apply their advice and guidance to your own career.
This year, being more active in the community, I've met more women in tech.
— Alba Silvente (@dawntraoz) March 6, 2021
I didn't know how much I needed more female role models and how much it has helped me to take care of my mental health and to set goals that I thought were unattainable.
Thank you for coming my way
A3: Know that there’s no magic bullet to solve the leadership gap, but problem doesn’t require magic. Leadership training is a great way to empower women. They should seek out a sponsor/mentor, & seek out employers that promote women’s leadership. #IDGTECHtalk #womenintech
— Ben Rothke (@benrothke) March 14, 2019
Build your brand
Define your personal brand by identifying your unique strengths, values, and passions.
Create a personal website that showcases your work, achievements, and expertise. Make sure the website is professional, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.
Establish a social media presence on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Use these platforms to share your insights, engage with other professionals, and build your network.
One thing to do - Build your personal brand. I often teach women in tech, cyber to intentionally leverage their personal brands for career advancement. Your personal brand is a career elevation tool. It opens doors, etc.
— Belinda Enoma (@istartandfinish) January 26, 2023
"If you're a woman looking to start a tech business, try something unconventional like building an online presence before you build a physical one. Leverage social media and free online resources to get the word out and make a name for yourself! #StartupTip #WomenInTech"
— F/MS | Startup Game for women (@fms_rpg) January 25, 2023
Create a strong network
Join professional organisations, such as Women in Technology International (WITI), or the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), to network with other professionals and gain exposure to new opportunities.
Attend networking events specifically geared towards women in tech.
Consider participating in hackathons to collaborate with other professionals and gain exposure to new technologies.
Ep4. What #iwishiknew | #WomenInTech
— jkimperez.eth (@j_kimperez) February 1, 2022
Events are a great way to network, especially when new in #tech, but it gets to a point where I recommend you set goals on what the purpose is & who u want to build meaningful connections with so ur prepared (unless ur just there for)
Set yourself up for success. Be active in developer communities. Participate in hackathons, meetups, conferences. These expose you to job opportunities. @GrayceKinyanjui #SoftwareEngineering#JENGASchool#TechTalent#WomenInTech
— JENGA School (@JENGASchool) December 8, 2021
Supportive work environment
Promote work-life balance by encouraging your collegues to take breaks, disconnect from work after hours, and prioritise their mental and physical health.
Foster a culture of collaboration by encouraging open communication, team building, and knowledge sharing.
Encourage work autonomy by empowering collegues to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
36% of women in tech find that it is essential to search and work for a company that aligns with their values and takes active steps to promote work/life balance.
— Ladies Do Tech (web3ladies.eth) (@ladiesdotech) October 3, 2020
.#ladiesdotech #WomenWhoCode #womeninstem #womenintech #womeninai #womeninscience #womenintechafrica #GirlsWhoCode
I have found an incredibly diverse and supportive environment in which to work. It is rewarding beyond all measure. It had been much much too long.#DEI #BlackTechTwitter #WomeninTech #womenintechnology #projectmanagement #LevelUp pic.twitter.com/4YtWBoZz20
— TechnicalTosin (@mirmtab) February 3, 2022
Ask for help if needed
Identify the specific area where you need help, whether it's a technical challenge, a career-related question, or a personal matter that's affecting your work.
Reach out to the person or people with a clear and concise message explaining your request for help. Be specific about the type of help you need and why you think they might be able to provide it.
Ask for their advice or insights, and listen actively to their feedback during the meeting or conversation. Be open and honest about your situation and your goals.
While your natural reaction may be to defend, listen to and acknowledge feedback from friends, colleagues and family members. #FailForward #WomenInTech
— Jo Amato-Tuck (@mamajoamato) July 24, 2019
Don't be afraid to ask for help or seek mentorship. A supportive network can make all the difference in your tech journey. #mentoring #techmentor #careeradvice #WomenInSTEM #womenintech #mentor
— Ines (@inesTheTechie) February 5, 2023
Be proud of your achievements
Keep track of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This could include completing a project ahead of schedule, solving a difficult coding challenge, or receiving positive feedback from a colleague or supervisor.
Build a portfolio of your work, including projects, code snippets, and any other accomplishments you are proud of. Use this portfolio to showcase your skills and achievements to potential employers or clients.
Recognize and appreciate the contributions of others who helped you achieve your successes. This will not only help build stronger relationships but also inspire others to celebrate their successes.
Day 37 #100DaysOfCode- first app done!! Deciding what to build next week… maybe some sort of word/language learning game?? Anyone made any Javascript word games or puzzles? Need inspiration
— Erin(@erinfranmc) February 3, 2019
Got to keep grinding, start getting a portfolio together#codenewbie #womenintech
Are you a tech women don't be afraid to take the scene and be proud of it and show what you can do#womenintech#beproud #techqueen #cybersecurity
— sabina Johansson (@sabinajohansso5) February 22, 2023