A recent Tech Nation report that investigated diversity in UK tech companies discovered that only 19% of the tech workforce are women, and around 77% of tech director roles were filled by men. Although there are reasonable efforts to encourage women to work in STEM, tech still falls short in this area, which is why it is so important to speak about it regularly.
When I applied for apprenticeships to kickstart my career, I was a young 17-year-old girl looking for a company that supported women more than the average UK firm. And so, once I was interviewed and hired for my current position by a woman, I couldn’t have felt sure of my choice.
I have been lucky enough to have mostly positive experiences in all my time at my current job - a blessing for a young Asian female like me. I work with many kinds of people daily, men and women from all over the world, and I always feel supported by them in a team environment.
The real issue lies in people who hide behind their screens. In late November 2021, I started my content journey on TikTok and Instagram to share my experience as a degree apprentice working in London. Here are some examples of comments I received on my first viral video:
‘Are you the secretary that looks after the male bosses?’
’Token ethnic minority
‘You’re a PA, order lunch and tell my wife I’m going to be late.’
‘Well us boys know how you got the job.’
These comments were all written by fake accounts with no content of themselves, and all it does is prove to me how they already know that what they are writing is wrong and unacceptable.
I feel that a lot of the comments I get are fueled by the fact that my job is quite technical, and people like this show that people think I can’t do it well because I’m a woman, which means I’m sure not smart enough…
Lots of men think like this, and it’s extremely disappointing to know that it’s still the case in such a modern time. So, if you’re a young person reading this, please never speak about somebody in this manner and equally – please never fear people who are so backward. The reality is that they will never be brave enough to say it to your face, and if they do, it could cost them their job.
Overall, in my personal experience, being a young female in the corporate tech world has made me who I am today. A strong, confident, and independent woman who can learn anything that she puts her mind to. It is no lie that we women have many challenges daily that a man will, fortunately, never have to experience. Being a woman in my place of work has taught me that anything a man can do, I can do the same, if not better.
Yes, being a young female professional can provide a fresh perspective and new ideas to the corporate tech world. Additionally, many companies are actively seeking to increase diversity in their workforce, which can provide opportunities for young female professionals.
It's important to speak up and address instances of bias or discrimination, whether it's through reporting to a supervisor or HR department, or through advocacy groups and networks. Additionally, seeking out mentorship and networking opportunities with other female professionals can provide support and guidance.
Seeking out opportunities for professional development, building a strong network of mentors and advocates, and actively seeking out leadership and management roles can help young female professionals advance their careers in the corporate tech world.
Yes, there are a variety of resources and support systems available, including advocacy groups, mentorship programs, and networking events specifically for women in tech. Also, some companies have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives to support their female employees.
