Top skills women need to succeed in tech

As a tech career coach with 20 years of experience in the tech industry, I've seen first-hand how challenging it can be for women to make the transition into tech. But I really believe that with the right mindset and skills, anyone can succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

I have a lot of people reaching out to me from non-technical backgrounds who are interested in tech career, but feel like they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to break into tech. But you shouldn't let that hold you back! Here are some of the top skills that I believe women need to succeed in tech no matter what tech related role you plan to pursue:

1. Problem-solving: Tech is all about solving complex problems and finding creative solutions. As a woman in tech, you'll need to be able to think critically and analytically, and to approach challenges with a clear and focused mind.
2. Adaptability: The tech industry is constantly changing, and you'll need to be able to adapt to new technologies, processes, and ways of working. This means being open-minded and flexible, and willing to learn and grow as the industry evolves.
3. Communication: As a woman in tech, you'll need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, from stakeholders, technical teams to non-technical colleagues and clients. This means being able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and to listen actively and empathetically to others' perspectives.
4. Creativity: The best tech solutions often come from thinking outside the box and approaching problems in new and innovative ways. As a woman in tech, you'll need to be able to tap into your creative side and bring fresh ideas to the table.
5. Resilience: The tech industry can be demanding and fast-paced, and you'll need to be able to handle the pressure, keep your cool and stay focused on your goals. This means being resilient and persistent, and learning how to bounce back from setbacks and failures.
6. Collaboration: Collaboration is an essential skill in any industry, but it's particularly crucial in tech. Women tend to excel at collaboration because they tend to be more relationship-oriented and empathetic. They have a natural ability to build trust and create a supportive environment, which leads to more productive teams and better outcomes.
7. Leadership: Leadership is essential for success in any industry, and it's particularly critical in tech. Women tend to excel at leadership because they are more likely to be collaborative, empathetic, and relationship-oriented. They also tend to be more inclusive and able to build diverse and productive teams.
8. Continuous Learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and women need to be committed to continuous learning to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. Women tend to excel at continuous learning because they are more likely to be curious and eager to learn. They also tend to be more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, which is essential when learning new skills and technologies.

If you're feeling frustrated and lacking in confidence in your non-technical career, remember that these skills are all things that you can develop and strengthen over time. With the right support and guidance, you can make a successful transition into a tech related role and build a fulfilling and rewarding career in this exciting field.

Happy to have a chat if you're trying to work out the best way to achieve your tech career goals.