State of affairs

So far in our Women in Tech MOOC, we have featured eight very different women with their personal learning journeys. In the interviews, they told us how they moved into the tech business – even though most had not studied a STEM subject. The kaleidoscope of different approaches, coincidences or even purposeful actions is amazing. From this, many can draw courage for themselves and others. Not to give up, but to keep going, to find the next twist, to always evolve, because the times are challenging as well as fascinating.

Because it needs a lot of committed people who want to make a difference. And the opportunities are there. But how do you get there if you haven’t seen this as your professional focus so far? We also asked all the women about this and each one gave different suggestions. We fed ChatGPT these interviews and asked what unites this spectrum of diverse perspectives in terms of their recommendations. Here’s his summary (and warning, it sounds a bit like something out of a motivational book …).

Thanx to ChatGPT

Based on the interviews, the recommendations for women wanting to enter the tech industry can be summarized as follows:

1. Embracing learning: Continuous learning and keeping up with the latest technology trends and developments are critical. Women should invest time in reading, attending webinars, seminars and podcasts, and acquiring knowledge through online resources.
2. Overcoming self-doubt: Women should overcome self-doubt and not be afraid to pursue opportunities in the technology industry. They should have confidence in their abilities and be willing to take risks.
3. Be proactive: It is important to take the initiative and proactively seek opportunities. Women are advised to appear confident, ask what they want and actively pursue their career goals.
4. Network and collaborate: Building a strong professional network and collaborating with others in the industry is beneficial. Networking can provide access to mentor(s), role models, and opportunities for advancement.
5. Accept challenges: Women should be willing to accept challenges and see them as opportunities for growth and learning. They should be open to trying new things, taking on different projects and stepping out of their comfort zone.
6. Advocate for yourself: It is important for women to advocate for themselves and their abilities. They should highlight their accomplishments, communicate their value, and confidently negotiate for fair compensation and career advancement.
7. Emphasize the value of diversity: interviews stress the importance of diversity in the tech industry. Women bring unique perspectives and contributions to the industry, and their participation is critical to fostering innovation and creating an inclusive work environment.

Overall, the recommendations encourage women to be proactive, confident and persistent in pursuing their interests and careers in the technology industry. They emphasize the importance of continuous learning, networking, and self-assertion while embracing challenges and opportunities for growth.

Well, when you read this, you think you already know all this. But if you listen specifically to the conversations and trace the personal developments, then much finer strings are activated in you. And it makes you want to be even more involved yourself. At least that’s how we feel.

YouTube playlist under Creative Commons

For those who are not interested in going into the “course” with a lot more info and add-ons, at least the interviews are recommended. They are available on YouTube under a Creative Commons license.

The license we have chosen means that you can use it freely in your contexts as long as you name us (CC BY SA 4.0 FROLLEINFLOW) and license any subsequent projects based on it under CC BY as well. If you are interested, you can learn more here.

So now enjoy the playlist from our Women in Tech MOOC so far: