A couple of weeks ago, Holly and I attended the Women in Tech conference at the University of Nottingham. Our purpose was to conduct a workshop on 'Innovating in Tech' where we shared some of the tools we utilize for ideation.

We also took part in various talks and workshops, and it was encouraging to see male participants in each session. Often, discussions about women in tech can be misconstrued as addressing only women's issues. However, this conference was well-balanced, focusing on awareness and encouragement rather than solely emphasizing the idea that women should stand up for themselves. With this in mind, we were delighted to participate in the conference, and we were grateful that ustwo sponsored such a significant event.

Recently, ustwo made a commitment to foster a more diverse workplace, making it an opportune time to engage in such activities. Gender equality was one of the diversity topics discussed at the conference, which involved exploring the challenges faced by female students contemplating a career in the tech industry. We were thrilled when nearly 25 individuals attended our workshop, including students, professionals, women, men, and even individuals from very different industries.

Entering the Tech Industry

Initially, we asked the group to note down the challenges they believed they or younger women encountered when entering the tech industry.
The responses included:

• Many participants felt uncertain about what to expect on a day-to-day basis, the nature of the work involved, or whether they would find an area of interest.
• Concerns arose regarding possessing the right skills, education, and abilities.
• Other comments highlighted a lack of visible role models and concerns about potential discrimination against code written by women.

This situation leaves young women who are taking their first steps into the tech industry feeling like outcasts, damaging their confidence and expectations.There are significant opportunities for us to support and guide students even before they begin their careers. It is crucial since we know that younger women are eager to learn more about concrete roles achievable through specific educational paths and wish to collaborate.|
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Our next exercise involved a rapid brainstorming session where we encouraged attendees to sketch out their ideas and share them with the group. This led to a wide range of ideas on how to assist young women in entering the tech industry. Many of the ideas focused on helping them connect with industry mentors who could provide guidance on job applications, emotional support, and advice. Networking, skills improvement, and celebrating achievements were also popular suggestions.

The most intriguing ideas revolved around the interview process and how to make it less intimidating. What stood out was the desire of female students to gather as much information as possible before applying for a job. Suggestions included a one-week trial experience to assess the suitability of a role, online Q&A sessions, videos showcasing daily life at a company, and even a talent matching service or questionnaire to replace traditional job descriptions.

Education and Career Paths

Participating in this workshop prompted us to reflect on our own education and career paths. During university, we were surrounded by successful female peers who excelled in their courses.
However, as we transitioned into the workplace, the environment felt predominantly male-dominated. What happened to all those female peers?!
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One possible answer may lie in this research, which reveals that

"men are confident about their abilities at 60%, whereas women don't feel confident until they've checked off each item on the list."

This demonstrates the critical role of education in attracting more women to our industry.

Enhancing Diversity

At ustwo, we are taking steps to improve the diversity of our teams because it is the right thing to do, but also because it leads to a more diverse approach to our work. This, in turn, ensures that the products we design are more inclusive and relevant to the widest possible range of people.

One of the ways we believe we can begin to encourage more women to enter the tech industry is by making our field more transparent and by providing opportunities for younger women to gain experience and feel confident in their skills and abilities. It is important not only to support women but also to encourage men to join us in building a harmonious working environment of inclusion. We have a responsibility to create a better, more balanced world for ourselves and future generations, and this responsibility transcends generational boundaries.

ustwo is implementing several initiatives to help achieve these goals, including a work experience scheme, a youth outreach program, and striving for a more balanced presence at conferences and events.

If you are interested in learning more about our work experience placements or gaining insights into life at ustwo and our industry, whether for yourself or the younger individuals you work with, please don't hesitate to get in touch!