It is 2019, women in tech are on the rise and making their presence known in a historically male dominated industry.

Early Education for IT based Careers

Historically, boys have received more positive reinforcement in their pursuit of IT related educational goals, while girls were often pushed to pursue non-tech related fields, but this is changing. According to a Small Business Trends survey, girls have a natural interest in tech related fields that typically peaks at 11 years old. In 2018, more than 38,000 girls took the Computer Science Advanced Placement exam in high school, this is 10 times the number of girls that took it in 2000, so the interest is there and it’s growing. This trend has also expanded to college where there is an upward trend of women graduating with degrees in IT related fields. According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology, more women are obtaining computing degrees, but a large gender gap still exists.

The Workplace

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up about 57% of the labor force. However, women make up less than 20 percent of U.S. tech jobs based on data from virtual event solutions company Evia.

Even with the small percentage of women holding onto an IT position in the tech industry, many are discouraged from keeping their position. In fact, women are twice more likely to quit their IT job. Why you ask? Because of the many different issues revolving around gender inequality, the pay gap and their overall workplace experience with their fellow male coworkers.

Fortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many women in the IT industry find the support they need from fellow female industry peers, focusing on their own skills and abilities and even finding a mentor. In an article written on the website fairygodboss.com, one woman stated:

“There is strength in numbers and the numbers representing women in tech are not currently in our favor—yet. Every unique challenge brings an opportunity to do something about it. Being a woman in tech is a badge of honor. Wear it proud, loud and continue to do the hard work to help lead the way for others. Even if you’re uncomfortable inciting change at your own company, there are plenty of ways to make a difference.”

Michelle Wingard

How You Can Help

Plain and simple – pursuing a career in technology is more difficult for women than it has been for men. A vast number of girls and women do not pursue a career in tech because society tells them that they are neither good or smart enough to take on such a scientific and technological position. The next time a female speaks to you about her passion in tech, shows interest in the field or is currently trying to pursue a career in it, we encourage you to encourage her, support her and remind her that she is capable of taking on such a male dominated field of IT.

Here at Global IT, we believe in providing supportive mentors that encourage young women to continue their pursuit of their tech related goals and we understand the importance of continued support and increasing post-graduation career opportunities in order to do our part in closing this gender gap. That is why we offer mentorship and internship opportunities to young women in high school and college that have an interest in IT. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact us at info@globalit.com for more information.