It’s a sad truth that for some technology leaders, diversity has become nothing more than a buzzword they have to pay lip service to on International Women’s Day. Others recognise the strategic advantage that diversity brings on every day of the year. It’s been proven that diverse technical teams drive better innovation. By bringing a wider range of perspectives, experiences and ideas to the table, they create better products, are more creative, and generate more profits.

Despite that fact, the numbers of women employed by the technology sector are still behind where they should be. The latest global Women in Tech survey reports women still make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields, and 72% have experienced a prevalent “bro culture” at work.

It’s understandable why this might be discouraging for young women considering a career in technology. I myself have found the gender imbalance in some AI spaces hard at times. But rather than accepting it or walking away, it sparked something in me. I became determined to help create the change I wanted to see.

Here are my top five tips for making your mark in technology as a woman.

It’s never too late

We know that girls are often put off from pursuing a career in technology as early as school. Research by PwC found only 3% of girls studying for A-Levels or at university say a career in technology is their first choice. That’s not to say they won’t one day change their minds. I didn’t take a traditional path into technology. Growing up, I loved physics and maths but didn’t know what that might mean for a future career. I did an undergraduate degree in material science and engineering and had barely any coding experience until I was studying for my PhD years later. While others were discussing algorithms, I was learning the basics of memory management from scratch. But I kept at it and found a way to combine my science background with machine learning and AI. If anything, it’s been my secret weapon.

Stay curious and adaptable

Succeeding in technology isn’t just about technical skills. They’re just one small piece of the puzzle. Instead, it’s about being curious and bringing fresh perspectives to complex problems, rather than following established paths. At TG0, I love the excitement and flexibility of working on research and development projects. We’re developing technology that translates human movement and touch into digital commands across sectors as diverse as gaming, sport, automotive and healthcare. Everything is challenging and everything needs R&D. I love that. When someone says, “what if we tried this?” The answer is always, “let’s find out”.

Don’t wait for permission

Sometimes it can be hard to find the right role in tech. I wanted to blend research with engineering, which felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. When I found TG0, I was finishing my PhD and looking out for internships or part time opportunities. I worked with the company as a machine learning engineer for eight months, then left to finish my thesis. I rejoined later, as part of a knowledge transfer programme sponsored by Innovate UK. My message to other women struggling to find that first position is don’t wait for permission to start. Launch that side project, contribute to open-source. Get your hands dirty with real code. Those practical experiences speak volumes about your tenacity and passion, and will help you get there in the end.

Find your community

I feel lucky at TG0. We have an incredibly diverse team – 24% of our company is female, and women make up a quarter of the management and heads of department positions as well. But that is not always the case in every organisation. If there aren’t many other women working alongside you in tech, you can still build a supportive community around yourself. Go to meetups and industry events, join online forums, or start them yourself. The added benefit of walking through those doors is you’ll often find other professional opportunities by taking part in those conversations. I’m the founding director of the Women Coding Community in London and have loved helping to support other female peers by organising workshops and specialised courses to help them upskill their technical expertise and build confidence in public speaking and professional networking.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Research has shown that women with mentors are 77% more likely to still be working in tech after three years, compared to women without mentors. They’re also more likely to negotiate for promotions and pay rises. But despite this 63% of women in tech have never had a formal mentor. I would encourage all women in tech to seek out a mentor that can help guide you when you hit a roadblock, and to share their own experience once you become more established in your own career. I have greatly benefited from being a mentee in TG0’s mentorship programme, and gladly mentor our more junior staff myself. I strongly believe in the power of continuous learning and peer support. I think we all need to play our part in creating a more equitable world for those around us.

Above all, don’t give up. Technology needs women like you to make a difference. And as a sector, we need to do better to encourage and nurture the women that join us. Innovation in tech requires everyone to play their part. Without diversity, we’ll fail before we’ve even begun.

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