Breaking barriers: 10 compelling reasons tech careers are ideal for women

Have you ever dreamed of a career that offers both flexibility and top-notch pay? The tech industry provides a rare blend of remote work, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture that empowers women to thrive in their professional journey. The contributions of women in tech have a long and remarkable – though often uncelebrated – history. Consider just a few of the achievements women have made in IT:

• Creating the first computer program (Ada Lovelace)
• Inventing computing methods and devices, like the compiler (Grace Hopper)
• Advancing human space exploration (Katherine Johnson)
• Developing programs that influence how today's computers work (Margaret Hamilton)
• Creating programs dedicated to studying technology's impact on social and ethical issues (Stephanie Shirley)
• Promoting diversity throughout IT workplaces (Megan Smith)
• The software for the guidance computer that led Apollo safely to the moon was written by a team at the MIT Instrumentation Laboratory (now the Draper Laboratory), headed up by Margaret Hamilton
• ACI Learning recently highlighted some of the impressive contributions of women in tech.

The history of women making an impact is clear: It was a woman who literally landed men on the moon – can it get any more legendary than that? So why aren’t more women going into IT? Given the benefits and opportunities, it might seem like an easy decision, but here’s a wild statistic: The percentage of women working in IT is lower than in 1984. Today, women make up 57% of the workforce, but a recent report from Accenture and Girls Who Code estimates they’re just 33% of tech workers, down two points over the last four decades. In cybersecurity, the numbers are even worse (25%) but rising, according to a study by (ISC)².

The tech industry is actively addressing gender diversity. Companies are focusing on creating inclusive workplaces through formal diversity and inclusion programs, partnering with educational institutions to encourage STEM education for girls, and supporting women in technology through mentorship and networking organizations. Flexible work policies and equal pay advocacy are becoming standard, while unbiased recruitment practices aim to eliminate biases in hiring processes. Leadership commitment, employee resource groups, and tracking diversity metrics are key strategies. Internship and entry-level programs target early entry into the industry, contributing to a more diverse tech workforce. It's crucial to stay updated on evolving practices in the ongoing effort to recruit and retain women in technology.

The tech industry offers several advantages for women seeking professional careers with flexibility and good pay. Here are the top 10 reasons why it might be the magic work/life balance solution you’ve been dreaming of:

1. Remote Work Opportunities: Many tech jobs allow remote work, providing flexibility to balance professional and personal responsibilities without compromising their career progress.

2. Flexible Schedules: Tech companies often embrace flexible working hours, enabling workers to create schedules that accommodate their personal needs while meeting professional commitments.

3. Innovative Work Environments: The tech industry fosters creative and dynamic work environments, allowing workers to engage in intellectually stimulating projects while contributing to innovative innovations.

4. Competitive Salaries: The tech sector is known for offering competitive salaries.

5. Career Growth Opportunities: The tech industry values skills and expertise, providing women with opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.

6. Diverse Job Roles: Tech companies offer a wide range of job roles, from programming and development to project management and design.

7. Supportive Work Cultures: Many tech companies prioritize creating inclusive and supportive work cultures, fostering environments.

8. Parental Leave Policies: - Several tech companies have implemented progressive parental leave policies, allowing mothers to take the time they need to care for their newborns without jeopardizing their careers.

9. Access to Remote Learning and Development: The tech industry often invests in continuous learning programs, allowing workers to upskill or reskill remotely, ensuring they stay competitive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

10. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: The tech industry is conducive to entrepreneurship, providing women with the option to start their own ventures, control their schedules, and create businesses that align with their values and priorities.

At ACI Learning, we're working hard to provide training that will help more women build a solid career in IT, with equal pay. Organizations around the world need more skilled women to drive technology innovation and positive change. What’s more, we’re proud of our female network of employees, subject matter experts, friends, and learners. We hope you’ll be part of that effort. We’ll hold the doors wide open.