Only 27% of our female respondents overall say they would consider a career in technology, compared to 62% of males. - PWC
A colleague recently discussed how to challenge stereotypes by talking to children in schools about career opportunities within technology. Throughout my education, from school through to college and university, a job in tech had never been a part of my future aspirations; likely because it had never been advocated. As a young, suggestible teen, I took inspiration from the leaders and role models around me. At career fairs, I do not recall information stands about software development, or at least if they were there, they were not approaching me and my female counterparts.
A shortage of female role models is a major barrier – as is a lack of understanding of how technology can enable women to change the world - PWC
Life at Valtech
It wasn’t until the third year of my Psychology degree that a friend (a male friend might I add) introduced me to coding and from there my interest in the industry transpired. In February 2019, I joined Valtech as an Apprentice Java developer with no prior experience in software development; an extremely rare job opportunity in today’s competitive market. I was chucked into the deep end on a three month intensive bootcamp, learning the core principles of Java before immersing in to the office environment and working on some award winning governmental teams and services.
I quickly settled in to the Valtech way of working, adapting to the culture of the office life and more importantly, adapting to the start of a brand-new career. At first, being a junior in amongst incredibly talented people was inspirational yet terrifying – a little fish in a big pond if you will. Being a female junior in a male dominated environment is perhaps even more intimidating. But my experience at Valtech so far has taught me that my male colleagues respect me and value my opinions and that I shouldn’t shy away from contributing to discussions or aspiring to be better and dream bigger.
Within the first year of my career taking off, I was named Newcomer of the Year 2019 at our Manchester office. In the last two years, I have grown from having little technical knowledge to having four software development based certifications. I have organised both fundraising events and social activities whilst looking to promote positive mental-wellbeing and maintain a sense of connectedness throughout our new virtual working environment. And whilst feeling like an imposter in the workplace may seem like an uphill battle, the encouragement and support I receive from my colleagues reminds me that there is a place for myself and other women in the industry and that tech is not just for men!
