Guest blog written by Alicia Logan
Computer coding is the language of the future. This is why it's not surprising that computer science is one of the most successful careers today! But contrary to popular opinion, where only men are suitable in this field, women can work and excel in the profession, too. Indeed, an article by David Needle states that almost half of the employees in popular technology companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft are women!
If you're also interested in technology, you can start honing your skills with GLAM's STEM and leadership programs that are specifically designed for girls aged 8 to 12. Here, you'll be introduced to business and technological concepts, giving you an advantage as you progress on your journey into tech industries. With the skills you will learn from GLAM programs, you'll have the confidence to move forward in achieving your desired computer science career!
Are you unsure which coding role to pursue? Here are some professions you may want to dive into:
Software Developer
In the same article by Needle, he explained that only 20% of female students are taking computer science. Although this figure is low, the future of women in the tech sector remains bright! In fact, Stanford University currently sponsors a program called Women in Data Science (WiDS), which aims to help women hone their data skills by hosting 'datathons' and seminars. It’s great that nonprofit organizations like GLAM offer programs for girls to spark an interest in technology and other STEAM fields. So, if you like to design big coding projects and collaborate with others, this is your sign to pursue software development! As a software developer, you will create applications that will allow essential tasks and systems to run, which will influence how enjoyable somebody’s time online will be.
Database Administrator
Another coding career that women are slowly entering is database administration. This is evident since a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report revealed that 35% of database administrators in 2021 were female. If you're curious about what they do, Maryville University explains that database administrators maintain database efficiency and proper functionality. Besides managing sensitive information, these professionals oversee data security to ensure all data stored on the web are safe from cybersecurity threats. Because of their importance, this career is projected to grow by 11% by 2026! So if you're a female coder who enjoys organizing and problem-solving, a role as a database administrator is a possible career track for you.
Computer Programmer
If you think coding and computers aren't for girls, think again. As a matter of fact, the world’s first computer programmer was a woman named Ada Lovelace! Because of her outstanding abilities in the field, Lovelace became a great role model for women who want to get into programming. As you would expect, computer programmers are responsible for writing, modifying, and testing codes until they're almost perfect. Being a computer programmer requires patience and attention to detail. It's an exciting career to get into because it offers many specialization opportunities, the ability to work remotely, and is one of the most important job skills of the future. Here, GLAM programs can help you gain and cultivate the confidence you need to succeed through events that show you how you can step into leadership roles in your career. Ultimately, if Ada Lovelace can do it, so can you!
Software Quality Assurance Engineer
As we discussed in our post featuring female tech leader Teresa McLaurin, a lot of thorough testing and designing goes into this STEM field. This is why software Quality Assurance (QA) engineers are essential computer science professionals, especially when it comes to coding. They're involved throughout every stage of software development to ensure that processes operate smoothly. Software QA engineers may also create manuals for any recently developed software that will help guide users on how to use them. It’s thanks to the efforts of software QA engineers that most of the technologies we use today run as well as they do! If you have the talent and passion for tech like McLaurin, a career in software QA engineering might be for you!
Computer science is a challenging profession, but it's also a place full of possibilities and opportunities to create amazing things! Plus, women are slowly earning more recognition in the field. Take a look at YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki and SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell. They demonstrate that female leaders have the potential to be impactful in tech, regardless of their gender. This proves that you can definitely become successful in computer science if you have the passion and skills!
Alicia Logan is a freelance writer who crafts articles about how women can pursue both personal and professional growth. Alicia believes in the importance of having strong female role models to look up to.
To learn more about coding or our leadership and STEAM programs, please follow @GLAMReadyToLead on social media, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and read more blog posts on the GLAM website.
#GLAMReadyToLead #GLAMBlogs #GirlsInSTEM #WomenInTech #CareerDevelopment #ComputerScience #Coding #STEMCareers #CodingCareers #GLAMShero
Comments