Despite significant efforts to bridge the gender gap, the women’s prospects at work in the tech sector dropped drastically in the past thirty years. The numbers speak for themselves. Despite the potential that the technology sector has in labor matters, women who work in digital occupations only make up 14% of female employment.
However, women’s prospects at work seem to shift significantly as advanced technology progresses. According to the annual study by consulting firm McKinsey Women Matter, the technological revolution will create new jobs. McKinsey forecasts that it could benefit women under certain conditions. Many reports highlight that the advanced technology sector requires more female talent in positions, such as Cybersecurity Specialists, Big Data specialists, and Experts in Artificial Intelligence. In addition to this, 45% of jobs will be digital-related in 2021. There will be a shortage of nearly 9,000,000 professionals specialized in ICT areas across the world. It is necessary to encourage more women to bet on studying technology careers to occupy these positions.
The report highlights that women’s prospects at work must address five challenges to change this situation:
● Changing gender stereotypes from an early age
● Making advanced technology an option
● Providing female students with references
● Addressing the pay gap
● Resolving the work-life balance
TECHNOLOGY SECTORS WITH THE MOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN
A study included interviews with prominent female professionals in the sector. The report also explains the best career opportunities for them in terms of future projection and remuneration. To start your career, you can begin with a high school diploma online, which is a great starting point.
Cybersecurity Specialist
Almost every large and medium-sized companies acknowledged having suffered at least one computer attack last year. The United States and the United Kingdom topped the list. These professionals must master different operating systems, networks, and programming languages.
The training you need to practice this profession includes:
● Computer Engineering
● Technical Management Engineering
● Technical Systems Engineering
● Telecommunications Engineering
● Computer Science and Communications
You also need a master’s or postgraduate degree specialized in Cybersecurity.
Big Data Specialist
The companies use big data analysis to improve decision-making increases each year. In 2018, 11.2% of the total carried out this activity, with a rise of 2.4% compared to the previous year. That is why we need more professionals in this sector.
Big Data specialists’ main task is to collect, store, and analyze the data to prepare the corresponding reports in the most detailed way possible. They use standardized formulas and methods.
To dedicate yourself to this profession, you need to know to program, Mathematics, Statistics, and specialized training in Big Data. People with degrees in Computer Engineering, Telematics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Mathematics or Statistics tend to fill these positions.
Expert in Artificial Intelligence
The evolution in all sectors towards the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) creates more professionals who know how to work with these technologies. Estimates show that there are currently at least 350,000 vacancies in this area across the US alone.
AI is an extensive discipline that covers different types of jobs. The best ones involve Machine Learning Engineering, Data Science, and Computer Vision Engineering. And most importantly, salaries vary depending on previous training. To work in this area, you need to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computing, Mathematics, Physics, Telecommunications, or Industrial Engineering. It’s also great to have a postgraduate or master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence.
Blockchain Specialist
Blockchain technology will be a key emerging area in the coming years. It allows you to store and manage any information in a transparent and decentralized way. It holds information on different servers at the same time. If one fails, you don’t lose the data. Cryptographic mechanisms that verify its security ensure data protection.
The five most in-demand profiles in this field are expert consultants in Blockchain, Blockchain developers, hardware/software architecture professionals, profiles focused on legal aspects, and economic-financial specialists.
To occupy a position related to this technology, you must have a degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Telecommunications. You can complement it with a master’s degree or specialization course in Blockchain.
Cloud Computing Specialist
Among the technology sector trends in the coming years, Cloud Computing, Big Data, and the Internet of Things stand out. 47% of the experts participating in the study Trends in the IT Sector agreed to this. Therefore, it is a sector that demands more specialized professionals.
Cloud Computing refers to the computing infrastructure, services, platforms, and applications for users through a network, usually the Internet. The specialists in this field are in charge of leading the business change that the cloud’s adoption implies.
These professionals are usually graduates in Engineering, technical engineers in fields related to ICT, or people with experience in programming or administration of systems and networks. They also have some specialized training in Cloud Computing.
Expert in Educational Robotics
With 3D printing, educational robotics is one of the ten most important trends in the education sector’s digital transformation. Although we have more than 6,000 trained teachers, there is still a shortage of specialized professionals, especially women. The experts in Educational Robotics design educational projects and tools based on robotic devices accessible to both students and teachers. They also analyze, configure, and develop robots and other intelligent systems using software and artificial intelligence.
It would help if you studied Electronic Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics, Electronic and Automatic Industrial Engineering, or Computer Engineering. These degrees help you become an Expert in Educational Robotics and train both students and teachers. Postgraduate training in Educational Robotics will be a great way to enhance your profile.
Digital graphic designer
Graphic designers specialized in interactive digital products are increasingly in demand in a digital content sector with a turnover of more than a trillion dollars across the globe. The average annual salary of a graphic designer depends on the position and position they occupy. There are different alternatives to training in Digital Graphic Design, according to the study. One of the most common options is to study a Degree in Design, in Multimedia and Graphic Design, or a Degree in Design, Animation, and Digital Arts. St Catherine University offers some of the top-ranking degrees for women in digital graphic design.
Director of Technology
The people in charge of the Technology Directorate lead the management and monitoring of its IT projects. Their job is to analyze what benefits the company can get from new technologies, identify which ones interest the company the most, and evaluate its works.
In addition to having technical training, the people who develop this work must also know the market and the company’s economy. Due to the growing demand for this profile and the scarce supply of professionals, the salary offers are usually excellent.
Conclusion
McKinsey makes several critical recommendations for women to seize these opportunities. We also recommend companies to encourage their female employees’ mobility because men change jobs and companies more than women. Women’s Prospects at work are increasingly becoming an invaluable asset to the world of advanced technology.
