5 tips for building up a successful career in the world of tech
On October 11, Debbie Forster, one of the most influential women in UK tech, will take the RIGA COMM Women in Tech Conference stage at Kipsala International Exhibition Centre to inspire Latvian women by sharing her experience and knowledge. Here are Debbie’s top 5 useful tips for building up a successful career in the technology industry!
Stop being perfect!
Women often lack confidence; they do not even try to apply for vacancies in the technology sector. Debbie recommends that you dare to apply for different vacancies, even if you are not a good candidate meeting the criteria set by a potential employer.
Explore the vast world of technology!
For many women, only huge and impersonal organisations or small start-ups with bearded men come to mind when thinking about the technology industry. In fact, the technology sector is very diverse. Tech people are needed in different companies and every industry – from the creative industry and charity to financial organisations and engineering.
Find your mentor!
Do not be afraid to seek advice and support inside or outside your workplace. The experience of other women, a view from outside, the challenges of going out of your comfort zone or simply sharing ideas will allow you to build your career and achieve your goals. Look for women with similar values and goals not only around you but also in social networks.
Inspire other women to choose a career in the tech industry!
As valuable as it is to receive support, it is also important to encourage other women. There cannot be too many women in the technology sector, so don’t be shy about sharing your experience from the first steps of your career in the tech world. If you are a middle-level manager, support your female colleagues who have just started their careers. If it is your first year in the industry, inspire women who are considering their future career or a career change.
Be curious!
Technology allows you to do exciting, creative and interesting things both inside and outside of work. Keep on learning! Do not be afraid to ask questions about things that interest you. If someone does what excites you, be brave and ask for advice – how it works and how to do it better. Do not expect opportunities and offers from outside, be active, show your interest and curiosity.
Debbie Forster is a prominent person in the field of technology, innovation, diversity and education. She is the founder and CEO of Tech Talent Charter and her goal is to achieve greater gender diversity in the UK tech jobs market. Since 2013, she has regularly featured in the 25 Most Influential Women in IT list by Computer Weekly, and in 2018, Debbie ranked third. She started as an English teacher and worked her way up to headmistress. She recognised the potential of technology early on and worked to make it more accessible to young people, since it allows children to be creative and opens up so many career options.
To encourage more women to join the technology industry and draw attention to women who have built a successful career in this sector, the Women in Tech Conference will be held at the Business Technology Event RIGA COMM 2019 on October 11. Women will share their success stories and encourage other women to engage in the business and technology creation process. Working language – English. The conference is held in cooperation with Riga TechGirls, a community dedicated to educating and inspiring girls and women about technology.
RIGA COMM is an annual business technology fair and conference where developers and suppliers of enterprise resource management, document management, HRM and security systems, suppliers of cloud services, internet and digital marketing services, web solutions and mobile application developers, and ICT product manufacturers offer ready-to-use and tailored solutions for companies in different industries and of different sizes, municipal authorities and organisations to facilitate efficient operation.
RIGA COMM is held by the International Exhibition Company BT 1.
Venue and opening hours:
Kipsala International Exhibition Centre (Ķīpsalas iela 8, Riga)
October 10, 10.00-18.00
October 11, 10.00-17.00
Tickets are available online as well as in the box office during the event days. As the event approaches, tickets will become more expensive.
