Breaking Barriers and Navigating the Tech World: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Women in Tech

Did you know that women make up only ~30% of the workforce in the technology sector in Southeast Asia? (As per Boston Consulting Group, 2020)

Globally too, women constitute a significantly smaller percentage of the tech industry’s workforce than their male counterparts, particularly in leadership and high visibility roles. What can be done to eliminate this persistent gender gap that exists not just in numbers but also in the opportunities for women in technology in terms of advancement and development within the sector?

While the ecosystem is changing slowly, there is a lot that we as women can do! We can take charge and rewrite the rules.?

Pratima Amonkar, the Business Strategy Lead of Microsoft (ASEAN), in a compelling episode of the Rewrite the Rules podcast, shared her journey and insights into her career in technology. These sharings double up as a blueprint for a thriving career in tech for all female executives, whether you're taking up your first full-fledged role in technology, climbing up the ladder rapidly, or making that all-important career transition from another sector.?

6 Factors To Make You Succeed as A Woman In Tech

Drawing from Pratima’s extensive experience and the challenges she overcame to helm a crucial vertical at Microsoft, we identify six key actionables you can replicate to accelerate your own career and make a mark as a woman in tech.

Let's start by learning…

1. How to Identify and Pursue Your Niche in Technology

Finding your niche in technology, as illustrated by Pratima’s journey, is a blend of exploration, learning, and adaptability toward career development and growth. Pratima's path from an early fascination with computers to spearheading Microsoft’s cloud and AI strategy in ASEAN underscores a critical lesson for aspiring tech professionals: finding your niche is a journey, not a destination.

I always knew I'd be in tech, just not this way.

To identify and pursue your niche:

1. Start with Your Interests: Identify what excites you about technology.
2. Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest tech industry insights, trends, and technologies through courses, workshops, and industry events.
3. Experiment Actively: Dive into hands-on projects to discover your strengths and passions.
4. Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Leverage the experience and wisdom of mentors to guide your exploration.

Pratima’s experiences emphasise the importance of being open to new experiences and the power of aligning your career with both passion and purpose. Just as she found a fulfilling intersection in assistive technology by experimenting and learning, you, too, can uncover your unique path in the tech industry.

2. How to Transition into Tech from Non-Tech Backgrounds

Moving into tech from non-tech backgrounds at any career stage can be quite a challenge. However, with determination and strategic career planning, the shift to a tech-centric path is not only possible but can be remarkably rewarding.

It's very tough in a technology environment...but navigating through all that was interesting.

For those looking to pivot into tech, here are some crucial steps to follow:

1. Identify Transferable Skills: Reflect on your current skill set and identify strengths that can seamlessly transition into a tech role. Skills like project management, analytical thinking, and effective communication are highly valued in the tech industry.
2. Acquire Tech Literacy: Begin building a foundation in tech by learning the basics of coding, software development practices, or data analysis, depending on your area of interest. Numerous online platforms like Codecademy and Coursera offer beginner-friendly courses.
3. Engage in Real-world Projects: Apply your newly acquired tech skills in practical projects. This could mean developing a simple app, contributing to open-source projects, or analysing data sets. These projects not only enhance your learning but also enrich your portfolio, demonstrating your commitment and capability to potential employers.

Pratima’s transition and success signal that moving into tech requires leveraging existing skills and a full-scope dive into new knowledge. With perseverance and the right strategy, the tech industry offers a broad horizon of opportunities for all those willing to make the leap.

3. How to Maximise Learning Opportunities and Skills Development

Tapping into learning opportunities and skill development consistently is critical to carving out a successful career in technology. Pratima emphasises the necessity of staying ahead in a field characterised by rapid evolution and innovation.

Embrace a 'learn-it-all' mindset.

To effectively expand and enhance your skill set:

1. Leverage Online Resources: Dive into online courses, workshops, and certifications that align with your career aspirations. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer a range of courses in emerging tech fields.
2. Set Learning Goals: Identify specific skills you aim to acquire or improve upon. Break these into achievable milestones, creating a roadmap for your learning journey.
3. Develop a Personalised Plan: Tailor your learning activities to fit your career goals and learning style. Whether it’s dedicating a set number of hours weekly to study or engaging in project-based learning, find what works best for you.

Pratima’s career trajectory, marked by her commitment to learning and adapting, highlights that continuous skill development isn't just about staying relevant; it’s about leading and shaping the future of technology.

So, are you ready to unlock your full potential with a proactive and deliberate learning strategy?

4. How to Assess and Leverage Your Transferable Skills

Recognition and rewiring of your transferable skills are crucial steps for carving a niche in the tech industry, a process Pratima has navigated with insight and innovation. Her experience underscores the significance of recognizing and applying the strengths you already possess, especially those not directly tied to technical expertise.

I navigated volatility by playing to my strengths.

To effectively utilise your transferable skills:

1. Identify Your Core Strengths: Reflect on your current role and pinpoint skills contributing to your success. These could range from problem-solving and critical thinking to project management and communication.
2. Understand Their Value in Tech: Research how these skills apply within the tech industry. For example, effective communication is key for translating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and project management skills are invaluable in leading tech projects to completion.
3. Showcase Your Skills: Highlight these strengths in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and during interviews. Tailor examples that demonstrate how your non-technical skills have led to tangible results, showing potential employers the unique perspectives and capabilities you bring to the table.

Pratima's experience underscores the fact that success in tech relies not just on coding skills but on a diverse skill set that enhances teamwork, innovation, and leadership. By identifying and leveraging your transferable skills, you can distinguish yourself in the tech landscape, achieve your career goals, and contribute to driving technology forward.

5. How to Gain Practical Experience

Practical experience is indispensable in solidifying your place in the tech industry, a principle Pratima has lived by throughout her career. By diving into projects that push the boundaries of her expertise, Pratima has showcased the effectiveness of hands-on learning in empowering women in tech.

I try to carve out time for stretch projects, which will help me learn.

Here's how you can take inspiration to shore up your knowledge base and enhance its practical applications:

1. Seek Internships and Volunteer Opportunities: These positions offer a chance to work on real-world problems, providing invaluable insights into the tech industry's workings. They're also a great way to network and get your foot in the door at companies you're interested in.
2. Initiate Personal Projects: Personal projects allow you to explore your interests deeply and apply what you've learned in a practical setting. They're also a perfect way to demonstrate your initiative, creativity, and ability to potential employers.
3. Build a Comprehensive Portfolio: Compile your work in a digital portfolio to showcase your projects, contributions to open-source, and any other relevant work. This portfolio becomes a tangible testament to your skills and a powerful tool in job interviews.

Pratima’s approach underscores the importance of not just acquiring knowledge but applying it. Through internships, volunteering, and personal projects, you can gain the practical experience and achievements crucial for standing out in the tech industry.

6. How to Cultivate a Supportive Community in Tech

Building a supportive community is a cornerstone for thriving in the tech industry, as demonstrated by Pratima’s path. Her experiences highlight the invaluable role of mentorship, networking, and community support in navigating the complexities of the tech landscape.

I have an external sponsor, somebody who's not in the organisation, which is very critical.

To build your support network in tech:

1. Engage with Women in Tech Communities: Seek out forums, groups, and communities specifically designed for women in tech. These platforms offer a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and find mentorship opportunities. Websites like ‘Women Who Code’? or ‘Girls Who Code’ are excellent starting points.
2. Attend Tech Meetups and Conferences: Participating in tech meetups and conferences is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, learn about the latest trends, and connect with potential mentors or collaborators. Often, these events have sessions or tracks dedicated to diversity and inclusion, providing additional networking opportunities.
3. Leverage Online Forums for Knowledge Exchange: Platforms like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and Reddit host vibrant communities where you can ask questions, share your work, and contribute to discussions. These forums can also help you stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Pratima’s emphasis on external support and mentorship underscores the importance of a supportive community. Whether through formal networks, social media, or events, building connections within the tech industry can provide the encouragement, insight, and opportunities needed to accelerate your career.

So, there you have it—the insightful and invigorating snapshots of Pratima’s career to inspire all emerging women professionals in technology. They effectively capture these home truths:

• Success in technology, as in most professional sectors and areas of life, is a blend of passion and purpose.
• You need to embrace continuous learning. It's all about staying abreast of industry trends and developments, as well as assessing and developing your transferable skills.
• There's no shortcut to practical experience. Invest time to build a unique portfolio.
• You can't steer away from strategic networking. Engaging with peers and nurturing mentorships and sponsorships can go a long way.

As you navigate your career in tech, make Pratima’s advice your guiding mantra: "Why consent to creep when you can soar?"

To all the women in our community, we're with you every step of the way in rewriting the rules. We hope you found this edition of our newsletter insightful and motivating.?

To learn more about Pratima’s journey, watch the full episode linked here . If you want to hear and share inspiring stories of women across Asia, reach out to me by email or on LinkedIn .

#rewritetherules ?#womenleaders ?#changemakers ?#strongertogether #careersuccess ?#leadersinasia ? #womenleadersinasia #ownit