Standing out: Tips for non-binary professionals and women in tech careers

More than half of people in technology and product roles are white men. Men also hold 80% of executive leadership roles in tech. And according to research by Accenture, half of women who go into tech drop out by the time they’re 35.

Surprised? Probably not. Between the gender pay gap, pervasive stereotypes, and non-inclusive workplace cultures, various barriers discourage women and non-binary people from entering tech—and may drive them out of the industry once they’re there.

Whether you’re looking to break into the industry, transition to a technical role, or thrive where you are, check out these tips for successful tech careers.

91% of senior human resources officers (SHROs) say that attracting women with tech experience or education is critical for their company’s success. They know that having a diverse workforce drives innovation, creativity, and overall profitability. 

Despite this, many SHROs struggle to understand the challenges non-binary professionals and women in tech face. In fact, SHROs are twice as likely as women to say it’s “easy for women to thrive in tech.” As a result, they don’t always provide the resources or support women and non-binary professionals need to succeed.

You might be breaking into the tech industry for the first time, returning after a leave of absence, or shifting into a tech role from a non-technical one. Depending on your journey, you may need certain tech skills or knowledge.

For example, if you’re an aspiring engineer, you need to learn basic Python skills. If you’re an experienced engineer, maybe you want to learn a new programming language. If you’re a data scientist, you may want to learn more about generative AI to find ways to apply it to your work.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand what you want to learn and why. Is the skill necessary for a role? Will it future-proof your career? Assist with an upcoming project? A skill assessment can help you assess your current skill levels and identify any strengths and opportunities.

You may already have the tech skills and knowledge you need to be successful, whether that’s through a formal education, certification, bootcamp, or internship.

In that case, you don’t need tech training, but you may benefit from developing specific soft skills or learning how to navigate the intricacies of tech workplace culture. Work with your manager, find a mentor or professional network, or join a program like Girls Who Code or AnitaB.org who can help you learn how to:

• Navigate code reviews

• Give and receive feedback

• Advocate for a promotion or raise

• Handle imposter syndrome and burnout

• Identify transferable skills from previous work experience

In inclusive workplace cultures, women in tech are more likely to love their job and earn promotions. The opposite is true in non-inclusive tech environments. 

The bottom line: Inclusive workplaces are fundamental to thriving as a woman or non-binary tech professional. 

You probably know if your workplace is safe on an intuitive level. But there are certain green and red flags to look for. Consider whether your current or prospective organization has:

• Women and non-binary professionals in leadership roles

• Mentorship programs or employee resource groups (ERGs) for non-binary professionals and women in tech

• Inclusive benefits and networking events

Research shows that women are less likely to promote themselves than men. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. One small way to do this is to speak about your accomplishments using “I” instead of “we.”

Say this: Because I fixed a critical bug, my team was able to launch a new product on time and ultimately increase customer satisfaction by 5%.

Instead of this: My team launched a new project that contributed to a 5% increase in customer satisfaction.

Emphasize your individual achievements rather than the whole team’s. It’s okay to show your enthusiasm, too. You may be scared to express how much you want a role, but managers want to hire someone who’s genuinely interested in their organization.