Inspiring more women in tech
For International Women’s Day, we spoke to several members of our team who chose careers in fields that would typically still be seen as male-dominant. Let’s hear from Account Managers Ellie and Julie, Developer Natalie, Service Desk Analyst Daisy, and Operations Manager Kate, as they share insight into their journeys to inspire more women to consider roles in tech.
What inspired your career choice?
Daisy: I have always been involved in technology, playing video games from a young age and watching my dad coding. When I was younger, I didn’t think I would go into IT but did by chance after helping with tech support at my first office job – and I’m glad I did. I got into this career after picking up an office job out of college. I helped out with tech support there, then decided to go into IT and got a job as an IT advisor. A lot of my friends worked in IT, which helped as I didn’t feel out of place in any of my previous jobs
Kate: I was working in operations whilst I was at university, and then when I finished, I decided to continue. After looking into the available leadership positions, I decided it was something I’d quite like to do. I really enjoy working with people and helping people learn, so it was a good fit.
Natalie: When I was at college, I did qualifications based around what I am currently doing, then after I had finished at college, I started to look for a job in the field of development and built my skills by gaining experience in the workplace.
Ellie: I wanted to do something which would make me proud and prove others wrong after my decision to leave university. There have been different challenges while finding my feet and learning what part of sales/account management are the right fit for me and what I enjoy with the role. There are a lot of big, loud personalities in Sales, and it took a while to recognise that my quieter, calmer nature is also valuable and has its own power. This has felt challenging at times but I’m pleased I took the time to learn how to utilise my own skill set. Sales is based on relationships, and clients have different personalities and gel with different types of people too!
Julie: By chance! I started in an administration role for a company that produced barcode film masters, and in those days, it was the only way to have a barcode incorporated into the packaging design and final print. I had spent several years in middle management and became frustrated that my performance was largely out of my control and relied on every one of my team to perform 100% – at the time I believed a jump into sales would make me master of my own destiny – yet here I am still reliant on the wider team for my successes. I am lucky to have found TPP Retail and to be part of a passionate team who are hungry for success, not just for the benefit of the business but also driven to exceed customer expectations every single day!
What female has influenced your career the most?
Kate: I would say I got my work ethic from my mum, so always coming in even if you don’t feel great and just cracking on and always really trying your best.
Ellie: My mum has always influenced my career, while not being in a similar line of work, she has always been my biggest cheerleader and told me I can do anything I want if I put my mind to it! She has always inspired my sister and me to be incredibly strong, independent women, and I think that is incredibly important in my chosen role. She’s always supported, cheered and encouraged and been there as a sounding board for advice and any struggles.
Julie: First and foremost, I have to say my mum’s work ethic was off the scale, but professionally, I found that I have gravitated towards sharp-minded, straight-talking and strong women with a positive and human approach to life and the workplace. To name someone in more recent years, it would have to be Deborah Meaden from Dragons Den.
How can workplaces better support women’s career growth?
Kate: TPP is a fantastic example of how to do this. I feel very much that James hires people based on what they can add to the business and how he believes they’ll perform in the role. I have never once felt like I was less than anybody else here in the business, so I would say treat women with equity and allow them to show you what they can do.
Ellie: Workplaces can support women more by presenting opportunities equally to both genders and ensuring no gender-based preference. They can actively make women feel listened to, heard and respected by treating them as their equals. Don’t knock people (not just women!) down for wanting to learn or for making mistakes, and don’t behave in a way that damages their confidence while they grow into new roles.
Julie: By recruiting female seniors into the business who will nurture, provide structured coaching, mentorship and implement inclusive policies.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in tech?
Natalie: Go for it! Just because development is typically male-dominated doesn’t mean you can’t go all the way to wherever you want to be!
Julie: Go for it, be passionate about what you believe in and give a good account of yourself and don’t shy away from demonstrating your value. Make what you say relevant and impactful.
Plugging the confidence gap
In the words of almost all the females we spoke to, there was a sad acceptance that women have to work harder than the men around them to do well and that they would need to continue to keep on proving themselves over and over.
These findings show how important this year’s International Women’s Day theme was. We have a lot to do to help the women unlearn some of the extreme pressures they put on themselves and instead help build confidence and self-belief.
There’s a well-known stat that men will apply for a job role if they meet 60% of the criteria, whereas a woman will only apply if they meet 100%. Women are also significantly more likely to undersell their work and efforts versus their male counterparts. This confidence gap not only shows a disparity between men and women but also highlights how many incredibly talented, well-suited candidates businesses miss out on.
By the age of just 14, a girl’s confidence drops by 30% and this follows her into adulthood. Taking action to build confidence in the women around you is a key action you can take to help accelerate closing the gender gap.
Ladies, remember…
1) You shouldn’t have to work harder than the men around you – instead, focus on doing your job to the best of your abilities, concentrate on your own skills development and don’t be afraid to promote your achievements!
2) If you’re repeatedly having to prove your worth and your value, you’re most likely in the wrong room… somewhere else will see your worth and this is where you’ll flourish
3) Remember, you already deserve to be there – believe in yourself, your capabilities and own the value that you KNOW you add.
4) You don’t need to become someone you’re not to be seen – too many times women lose themselves morph to fit in with the men around them. Recognise the benefit of diversity in your teams and be wonderful you.
5) Stand up for women around you – support your female co-workers, circle back points if they’re cut off and give each other that platform to speak and celebrate their contributions.
6) Compliment and build confidence in the women around you – they are all likely struggling with the same challenges, so let’s lift those around us!
7) Find your male allies – some incredible men in business truly do value you and your contributions. In my experience, building bonds here will really help you to shine
International Women’s Day isn’t about celebrating the women in our business for just one day, it’s an annual reminder to us all of what we should be doing every day – raising, lifting, promoting, listening to, and championing women. A day to ‘celebrate’ won’t change much alone, but a day to educate, to build confidence in the women and girls around you, and to encourage even small changes in behaviours that recognise the impact of societal bias in our everyday lives highlights how you are part of accelerating action.
