Throughout history, there have been some amazing women who have made a huge difference in the world of technology: Hedy Lamar, the inventor of Wi-Fi; Annie Easley, the NASA rocket scientist; and Elizabeth Feinler, who helped pioneer the original search engine; to name a few.

These women and many others have proven just how extraordinary women can be. They work hard to accomplish every goal they set. Women are as smart, driven, and hard-working as their male counterparts. Women make up 47% of the workforce, though according to data from The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), they only make up a quarter of all computing jobs in the United States.

Perhaps it’s just that some women don’t know exactly how to go about getting their dream tech job. What skills are employers looking for? How do you find your perfect coding, software developing, or engineering job? Besides actually searching for specific jobs on the internet, here are some things you can do to help you on your way to “Tech Job Actualization:”

1. If you have little or no experience in tech, get some! Sign up for a tech bootcamp if you want to develop a specific skill or strengthen one you already have. Bootcamps are training courses designed for students to quickly learn a skill in just a few months rather than over a long period of time. These bootcamps don’t quite replicate the depth of a college degree, but most employers regard them positively. Completing one can help you to say you’ve got some knowledge in a specific tech area.
2. Be Willing to Start from the Ground Up. Realize and be okay with the fact that you might not get that dream coding job right away. You may have to start at an entry-level job, prove your worth, and work your way up to where you want to be. Even if you’re working in the call center or as an intern, you’ll have many opportunities to learn about the company that will help you in the long run to move up the ladder.
3. Learn to Network. Meet people! Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to coworkers and people who work above you. The more people you know, the more chances you’ll have to ask questions, cultivate friendships, and maybe even get recommendations from people when you’re ready to grow. If you’re still in the stages of initially finding a tech job, ask around! It may be easier to land a job based on a friend or acquaintance “putting in a good word” rather than just applying endlessly to jobs you find online.
4. Build your portfolio. Find ways to use the skills you’re building, even if you don’t have a tech job yet. Keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities: maybe a company needs some web design help, or maybe someone needs help with software engineering. Offer to help them out for free. Not only will you gain experience, you’ll also be able to expand your resume and add more people to your networking circle.
5. Be Confident. Know your worth. Don’t sell yourself short when looking for your dream job. On the other hand, if you don’t have a lot of experience in a certain field or working with a specific program, be honest about it! Be curious and willing to try new things and be okay with asking questions along the way. Communication is key. The more you know about your job, the more confident you can be.

While men still hold most tech jobs compared to women, women can make a difference. Those women in history didn’t give up when they faced harsh discrimination and belittlement. Finding the right job can be daunting, but the jobs are there. By taking some of these ideas into consideration, you’ll be able to land the perfect role for you.

Sources:
https://www.globalapptesting.com/blog/the-women-who-changed-the-tech-world
https://www.ncwit.org/resources/women-tech-facts-2016-update