Top tech skills for women: breaking into the Industry with confidence

In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, the call for diversity and inclusion has never been louder. Women, especially African women, are increasingly making their mark in the tech industry, bringing unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.

However, breaking into this male-dominated field can be daunting, and many aspiring female tech professionals may find themselves facing barriers to entry. Hence, there is a growing need to empower African women looking to pursue a career in tech.

Here are essential tips and guidelines for success in the industry, as well as tech careers that women can begin immediately.

Read also: Nigerian StartUp, Aceplora To Equip Young People with Tech skills

Tips for Success in Tech Careers for African Women

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends by taking online courses, attending workshops, and participating in tech communities.

Build a Strong Network: Connect with other women in tech, mentors, and industry professionals to gain insights, support, and opportunities.

Develop Technical Skills: Hone your coding, data analysis, and problem-solving abilities to excel in technical roles.

Confidence is Key: Believe in your skills and capabilities and don’t be afraid to speak up and showcase your expertise.

Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your tech career journey.

By embracing these tips and guidelines, African women can confidently break into the tech industry, contribute their unique perspectives, and thrive in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Technology companies have been promoting diversity and inclusivity in recent years, as a varied workforce boosts innovation and problem-solving. Despite advancements, a large gender gap exists in IT.

Emphasising IT skills and offering career paths based on talents and interests is vital to helping women succeed in technology employment. There should be more women in IT careers.

Three IT skills women can learn

Cloud computing: Cloud computing is now an essential part of modern IT infrastructure because it lets businesses of all kinds use solutions that can be scaled up or down as needed. Women can learn cloud computing skills, such as how to use Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Women who know how to use cloud computing can work as cloud architects, DevOps engineers, or cloud security experts. Also, getting certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate can help them get jobs in this field, which is increasing.

UI/UX Design: User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design are essential for making digital events easy to use and fun for people. UI/UX design skills, such as wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, can be learned by artistic women with an eye for design. They can make user-centred interfaces and improve the overall user experience across websites, mobile apps, and other digital goods by learning how to use design tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma. UI/UX design careers help women develop valuable and innovative technologies by letting them work together and develop new ideas.

Blockchain tech: Blockchain technology has become disruptive in many fields because it offers safe, decentralised, and open ways to handle transactions and data. Women interested in cutting-edge technologies can learn blockchain development skills, such as brilliant contract writing, decentralised application (DApp) development, and blockchain integration. Being good at blockchain systems like Ethereum or Hyperledger Fabric can help you get jobs as a cryptocurrency analyst, developer, or consultant. As blockchain grows and changes, intelligent women working in this area can lead the way in new ideas and help shape the future of digital exchanges and decentralised systems.

Four tips for women in tech careers:

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with emerging technologies and industry trends through online courses, workshops, and certifications.
Network: Build a solid professional network by attending tech events, joining online communities, and connecting with mentors and peers.
Confidence: Speak up at meetings, advocate for yourself, and seek leadership chances.
Resilience: To succeed in tech, embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and endure.

How to land a tech job: From Resume to Interview

Establish a solid online profile. Put your talents, work, and interests in the workplace on display by making a LinkedIn profile. Participate in forums, write blog posts, and contribute to relevant online communities to demonstrate your knowledge. Get out there and meet other professionals at tech events, conferences, and meetups. Seek out mentorship opportunities and network with other women working in technology. When you network, you can get inside information about job openings and get referrals for jobs.

Make sure that your technical abilities, work history, and achievements are front and centre on your resume. Pay attention to pertinent internships, certifications, and projects. Keep your language simple and direct, and stay away from jargon. Test your skills with coding challenges, technical inquiries, and interviews that focus on behaviour. Bring attention to your enthusiasm for technology, capacity to work in a team, and problem-solving abilities. If you want to land that dream job, you need to be ready to talk about your past experiences in context.

Demonstrate how you can contribute to diverse teams by showcasing your distinct viewpoint. Employers may give preference to applicants who can help foster a more welcoming environment at work because of the growing awareness of the value of diversity in technology. Bring your technical knowledge and ability to solve problems to the interview. Highlight relevant projects you’ve worked on and talk about the obstacles you encountered and how you managed to overcome them.

Do not let yourself be disheartened by rejections; the tech job market is competitive. Never stop learning new things, making connections, and looking for ways to improve your situation. Find your dream job if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. Be confident in your abilities and ready to negotiate a fair wage and benefits package. Figure out what a normal salary range is for your position and degree of experience, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for a higher salary.

Some Success Stories in African Technology

Odunayo Eweniyi (Nigeria)
Eweniyi is a co-founder of PiggyVest, a Nigerian FinTech company that allows users to save and invest money. She has been recognised for her work with numerous awards, including the Forbes Woman Africa Technology and Innovation Award in 2022.

Rebecca Enonchong (Cameroon)
Enonchong is a tech entrepreneur who founded AppsTech, a software development company in Cameroon. She is a strong advocate for promoting technology in Africa and has played a key role in establishing organisations that support African tech startups, such as the African Business Angel Network (ABAN).

Jihan Abass (Kenya)
Abass is the founder and CEO of Lumina, a Kenyan company that provides off-grid solar power solutions. Her work is bringing clean energy to underprivileged communities across Africa. She is a recognised leader in the field of renewable energy and has been featured on Forbes’ list of Most Powerful Women in Africa.

Contributors: Ibukun Bankole, Modupe Olalere, Felicia Akindurodoye, Olanrewaju Adeniyi and Esther Abayomi