Candice TillmanLet’s understand what we mean by IT (the field of information technology). In addition to programming, in this broad field there are immersive technologies (VR/AR), where experience designers, marketers, system architects, etc. are required; and UX/UI design (user interface development), and also project management, SMM, Data Science, manual or automated testing and much more. That’s why in today’s industry it is valuable to have a versatile experience and perspective, critical thinking and growth mindset. The IT sphere gives girls and women ample opportunities for professional and personal growth: any mind – humanitarian, technical or creative – can realize its potential here.
Also work in IT sphere allows independent and independent planning of own life, everyday life, personal development and achieving financial and career goals. If it seems difficult to find yourself as a performer, you can try to become a creator of some product and start a technological startup.
About stereotypes
Almost every girl who wants to connect to build a career in digital faces stereotypes that poison life and kill the desire to move in their direction. Here are some of them:
- Only people with a mathematical mindset work in IT.
In fact, in addition to programming, there are many specializations that will suit girls: you can manage projects, test applications, engage in game design and so on. - There are a lot of men in IT, which creates a tense environment for the few girls in the team.
In fact, there are men in IT who are gender neutral. - Studying in the IT stream at a university, a girl will not be able to achieve anything, because it is a male world.
Yes, a girl will experience difficulties, but a proactive mindset will help her overcome the unpleasant moments. - Girls are inherently more likely to major in the humanities, not IT.
This is a myth – aptitudes are not gender dependent. - No matter what the proportion of girls in the learning environment, it does not affect the outcome of the educational process.
That’s not true. It very much does: girls who don’t get support often leave the profession.
Tips for girls who want to start a career in IT
Understand what you already know and what you want
Think about what style of life suits you, what do you want more – to be a free bird or to work in big corporations? If you don’t know yet, just try it, there is no better way to figure out your desires and preferences.
Monitor job openings and internships regularly
Go to your potential employer’s website under “jobs/careers.” Send in your resume with the note, “I like your company’s values and am ready to grow and develop.” Don’t be discouraged to try different positions even without relevant experience.
Don’t be disappointed in your career choice right away
It’s not at all necessary that the first three professions in IT that you try out will be perfect for you. Patience and proactive action will help.
There is a library of useful videos on the community site, you may be interested in girls’ stories and their perspective on their careers
Regularly participate in IT events
Not only Russian communities, but also similar foreign ones. Meet new people and make connections. The easiest way to find such offline and online events is on Facebook.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
There are a huge number of bloggers and career counselors on any of the social networks who can provide basic advice on finding yourself in IT for free.
Find yourself a mentor
A girl who will agree to support you for free, for a fee or by barter (she gives you her experience, you give her all possible assistance on the project/area of your competence), to give tips, to help with advice. Many of today’s IT girls are open to networking – find someone whose success story inspires you, get to know that girl in the Girls do IT community, or even post on Facebook and ask her for coffee and mentorship. Most will respond! Yes, it’s exactly that simple:)
Master the growth mindset technique.
Read about what a growth mindset is: learn to think bigger, develop your abilities and master new ones, be resourceful and flexible.
For example, type “how to make a career in IT”, you will find a lot of tips from experienced people and experts. If you come across an obscure word, you can google it and broaden your horizons.
Is it necessary to have a degree in programming, or is it easier to finish courses and move in your own direction?
