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