Cracking the Code: Tips for Women Pursuing Tech Careers in Quebec

Quebec's tech industry is transforming, and it's clear that women are driving much of this exciting change. As a key person in Talent Acquisition for GoTo in Quebec, a leader in this huge tech hub, I'm deeply passionate about highlighting the invaluable contributions of women in technology. Furthermore, I am committed to ensuring that they not only continue to be hired but also thrive and excel in this dynamic industry.?

Key Skills and Qualities for Success in Tech?

Success in the tech industry requires a blend of technical and soft skills. Here’s what you should focus on:?

• Resilience: Don’t give up when facing challenges. Learn from mistakes and use them as motivation to keep moving forward. Persistence is key.?
• Communication: Know what to say, when to say it, how to say it, and the way it’s conveyed. Effective communication is very important.?
• Attitude: Even without extensive experience, qualities like teamwork, initiative, creativity, focus, willingness to share, and helping others can highlight your potential.?
• Intellectual Curiosity: Embrace self-development, be eager to learn, expand your knowledge, and remain open to new experiences. Continuous learning is invaluable.?
• Technical Skills: Dive deep into languages, frameworks, systems, and technologies relevant to your field. Engage in courses, exchange experiences, participate in projects, and read extensively to enhance your expertise. Intern in various fields to gain a broader overview of the market and discover your passion.?

Advice for Aspiring Tech Women?

Besides improving your skills, understanding our values and culture is crucial. GoTo emphasizes flexibility, autonomy, work-life balance, rapid growth, continuous learning, and authenticity. Demonstrate your ability to adapt, learn, and thrive in our environment. Our hiring managers are especially keen on candidates who demonstrate a real hunger to learn and thrive, always eager to seize new opportunities for growth.???

Networking is also vital, especially in IT, where women are underrepresented. Here’s how to approach networking strategically:?

• Connect with women in the same market.?

• Seek out a mentor or coach.?
• Engage actively in IT groups and stay updated on industry trends.?
• Maintain continuous networking efforts, exchanging information, ideas, and experiences.?
• Participate in seminars, webinars, and meetings to meet others in your field. In Quebec, many seminars focus on the role of women in IT— take advantage of these opportunities.?
• Think of your network as a plant that needs daily care to yield results. Neglecting it can lead to missed opportunities.?

Impact of Gender Diversity on Company Success?

Gender diversity brings balance and diverse professional viewpoints, leading to better ideas and solutions. It enhances creativity, problem-solving, and inclusivity, making teams more successful and adaptable. When everyone feels included, employee satisfaction and retention improve, benefiting the entire company.??

With these principles in mind, my goal is always to find the best person for the job, focusing on skills and experience. We ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process by:?

• Asking the same questions to all candidates.?
• Maintaining a consistent evaluation process.?
• Coaching hiring managers to recognize and avoid biases.?
• Actively seeking diverse candidates and being transparent about hiring decisions.?
• Additionally, we keep a pool of female candidates with potential, even if they have limited experience. By presenting these candidates to hiring managers and highlighting their strengths, we ensure they get a fair chance.?

Personal Success is the Success of Others?

I am extremely proud when I see candidates who might have “lacked” the experience but had great potential, not only get hired but then advance rapidly within our company. It's been a privilege to help other immigrants, like me, (a native Brazilian,) as well as first-time job seekers from diverse backgrounds form their professional path with GoTo. Assistance goes beyond job placements—I’ve had the unique opportunity to support individuals in adapting to Quebec's job market and new life, something that goes beyond the professional sphere. It has sparked a profound sense of purpose within me. Actively supporting women throughout their journey at our company, encouraging female representation at all levels, including executive roles and internships, serves as a testimony to our dedication towards a balanced and dynamic workplace.?

By sharing these insights and experiences, I hope to inspire more women in Quebec to pursue careers in technology and join us in shaping the future of this dynamic industry.?

Interested in learning more about GoTo or what positions we’re currently hiring for? Check out GoTo’s page on LinkedIn !?

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