Insights from industry experts: key takeaways from the SheTechTalks kick-off Meeting
During the first SheTechTalks kick-off meeting in Groningen, two professionals from the ICT industry, Anneke Veldink and Evelien Epping, shared valuable insights on women’s careers in ICT. Both graduates of the University of Groningen’s Economics and Business program, they discussed their career paths, the challenges women face in the sector, and the skills that are essential for success in IT. Their perspectives shed light on the role women can play in shaping the future of the industry and how they can prepare for it.
Women in ICT: Career paths and opportunities
IT is not just about coding. Women can thrive in leadership, project management, consultancy, and entrepreneurship within the tech sector, bringing essential skills that help bridge the gap between business and technology. Anneke and Evelien emphasized that being able to connect different stakeholders—whether developers, customers, or management—is one of the most valuable assets in the IT industry. Strong communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking are just as important as technical expertise. Leadership roles in ICT do not necessarily require deep technical knowledge; many women successfully lead ICT businesses or large teams by focusing on broader business strategies, ensuring that ICT solutions meet business needs. Understanding technology at a strategic level and fostering collaboration among different teams are key strengths women can bring to the sector.
What women need to succeed in ICT
A willingness to embrace new challenges is crucial for career growth in ICT. Being open to change and actively seeking opportunities can help women advance in a constantly evolving industry. Many women hesitate to take on leadership roles because they do not feel technically skilled enough, but Anneke and Evelien stressed that leadership in ICT is about much more than just coding. Women play a critical role in facilitating teamwork, ensuring different teams communicate effectively, and leading projects that drive innovation. Empathy and strong leadership skills are particularly important, especially in positions that involve customer engagement, product management, or team coordination. Women should build confidence in their ability to lead and recognize the impact they can have in shaping the ICT sector.
What women who want to enter the ICT sector need to hear
Many women hesitate to enter IT because they do not see clear role models or assume that the field requires advanced technical expertise. Anneke and Evelien highlighted the importance of showcasing real-life experiences of women working in IT. It is crucial for young professionals to hear about the day-to-day realities of the sector, including how work-life balance is managed, how women navigate male-dominated environments, and how they build their careers over time. Beyond technical skills, women need to understand the soft skills that are essential for success in IT—such as negotiation, leadership, and the ability to advocate for themselves in professional settings. Hearing stories from women who have built successful careers in the industry can provide inspiration and a clearer picture of what opportunities exist.
The Importance of both hard and soft skills
Training in IT should go beyond technical knowledge. While programming, systems engineering, and data management are crucial, women in IT also need to develop leadership and communication skills. Confidence in decision-making, the ability to lead teams, and the skills to connect business and IT processes are essential. Many women have the perception that they need to be deeply technical to work in IT, but many influential roles focus on how technology is applied rather than how it is built. Women in IT often find themselves in roles where they act as a bridge between technology and its users, requiring strong communication, strategic thinking, and empathy. Understanding business and IT connections is particularly valuable, as IT plays a key role in industries such as retail, security, and education. Developing the ability to navigate between these different areas makes women highly valuable in IT leadership.
How women can advance their careers in ICT
Women should challenge the common assumptions that hold them back. Many hesitate to apply for jobs unless they meet all listed qualifications, while men often apply even if they only meet a portion of the criteria. Anneke and Evelien pointed out that women need to change this mindset and be more proactive in pursuing opportunities. Negotiation skills are also essential—women should not take “no” for an answer too quickly and should persist in making their voices heard in professional settings. Expanding professional networks is another key strategy for career growth. Regular networking, meeting new people, and clearly articulating career goals can help open doors and create new opportunities. Women should actively seek out mentorship and support systems to help them navigate their careers.
Overcoming stereotypes and biases in ICT
Biases in ICT workplaces still exist, and women need to be prepared to navigate them. Gendered expectations often lead to women taking on supportive roles, such as handling meeting logistics or note-taking, rather than stepping into leadership positions. Anneke and Evelien stressed that women must assert themselves in professional environments and set clear expectations for their roles. The way men and women approach competition, negotiation, and career progression often differs, and understanding these differences can help women become more strategic in their career development. Research on gender differences in leadership styles and career progression could provide useful insights for women looking to advance in ICT. Strategic thinking and stakeholder management are critical skills that women should develop, and training programs should incorporate methods to strengthen these abilities.
Key takeaways for women entering ICT
Women need to recognize that IT careers are not limited to programming and engineering. There are numerous opportunities to lead, innovate, and drive change within the sector. Developing both technical and soft skills is essential, and confidence in one’s abilities plays a crucial role in career progression. Seeking out mentorship, challenging stereotypes, and actively expanding professional networks can help women navigate the industry and advance their careers. ICT is an evolving field, and women have an important role to play in shaping its future.
Technology is not just about code—it’s about vision, leadership, and the ability to drive change. Women have the power to shape the future of ICT, break barriers, and redefine the industry. The opportunities are limitless for those who dare to step forward with confidence.
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