Spokesperson Alex Macoun, Chief Strategy Operations Officer, SiteMinder
“We’ve been talking about a talent shortage, especially in STEM fields, for years now, but current market conditions, with strong competition for tech roles and continuing limits on immigration, are at a whole new level. It is imperative to grow the skills base for the future, and since women are still less than a third of the tech workforce and hold only a quarter of technical roles, the opportunity is obvious. We need to find ways to expand the pipeline of tech candidates and open up opportunities for diverse professionals to enter. How? By reconsidering the meaning of ‘expertise’, investing in people who have the potential to grow their skills into new areas, and embracing new perspectives and ways of thinking as valuable and desirable assets.”
“Technical skills, whether for engineers, data analysts, product managers or lawyers, are obviously very important. We need to ensure a diverse pool of candidates with these qualifications, and support people to continue their professional development. But many roles in tech companies don’t need the highest level of technical skills, or even necessarily tech industry experience. People who can manage programs, detect patterns in competitive dynamics, or manage and grow teams, are hugely important to success. There’s a much broader pool of candidates, including many women, who have demonstrated these skills in other industries and can transition into tech and have a really positive impact.”
“Too often, people are made to think they’re not a ‘fit’ for a job or a company as their work experience or qualifications do not match limiting job descriptions. ‘Tech bro’ cultures and stereotypes are also still a massive hindrance. It is time the tech community ramp up efforts to build a culture that more openly encourages diversity of experience and difference. This could include making diversity a priority in the recruitment process, changing work practices that aren’t inclusive, or creating unique opportunities and pathways for diverse professionals to advance. It is about making sure women know they can and will excel in these roles.”
Continue reading: https://womenlovetech.com/uptake-by-women-of-stem-subjects-finally-on-the-rise/
“We’ve been talking about a talent shortage, especially in STEM fields, for years now, but current market conditions, with strong competition for tech roles and continuing limits on immigration, are at a whole new level. It is imperative to grow the skills base for the future, and since women are still less than a third of the tech workforce and hold only a quarter of technical roles, the opportunity is obvious. We need to find ways to expand the pipeline of tech candidates and open up opportunities for diverse professionals to enter. How? By reconsidering the meaning of ‘expertise’, investing in people who have the potential to grow their skills into new areas, and embracing new perspectives and ways of thinking as valuable and desirable assets.”
“Technical skills, whether for engineers, data analysts, product managers or lawyers, are obviously very important. We need to ensure a diverse pool of candidates with these qualifications, and support people to continue their professional development. But many roles in tech companies don’t need the highest level of technical skills, or even necessarily tech industry experience. People who can manage programs, detect patterns in competitive dynamics, or manage and grow teams, are hugely important to success. There’s a much broader pool of candidates, including many women, who have demonstrated these skills in other industries and can transition into tech and have a really positive impact.”
“Too often, people are made to think they’re not a ‘fit’ for a job or a company as their work experience or qualifications do not match limiting job descriptions. ‘Tech bro’ cultures and stereotypes are also still a massive hindrance. It is time the tech community ramp up efforts to build a culture that more openly encourages diversity of experience and difference. This could include making diversity a priority in the recruitment process, changing work practices that aren’t inclusive, or creating unique opportunities and pathways for diverse professionals to advance. It is about making sure women know they can and will excel in these roles.”
Continue reading: https://womenlovetech.com/uptake-by-women-of-stem-subjects-finally-on-the-rise/
