To build the workforce they need to succeed today and for the future — and create a more diverse corporate culture — many leading employers are making a concerted effort to recruit more women for technology roles. Even so, the gender gap in the tech sector remains significant.Only 27% of professional computing occupations in the 2023 U.S. workforce were held by women, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data featured in the “By the Numbers” infographic from the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT).That figure should be rising given how many organizations need to hire and train more tech talent to address critical skills gaps and keep technology priorities on track. Research conducted for Robert Half’s e-book, Building Future Forward Tech Teams, found that 65% of tech leaders see a challenging skills gap within their department today. Almost the same percentage of respondents (62%) said the impact of that skills gap is more apparent now than it was a year ago.Addressing tech skills gaps isn’t easy due to the lack of skilled tech talent available for hire. Data in Robert Half’s Demand for Skilled Talent report underscores the challenge: 90% of technology hiring managers report facing difficulty finding candidates with the requisite skills.
The challenges for tech employers outlined above represent potential opportunities for women who want to work in tech and IT, or take their current career in the field further or in a new direction. A starting point for success is to map out your career goals and identify steps you can take to reach them. For example, you may want to:Join a professional network or membership association that actively promotes the advancement of women in the tech profession. Women in Technology International (WITI) and AnitaB.org are just two examples of options to consider.Ask someone in your organization — a colleague already working in technology or a human resources manager, for example — to explain what types of skills (technical and soft skills) and certifications you would need to be considered for a technology role you aspire to, and how you can gain the training necessary to make the transition.Look to trusted contacts in your own professional network for insight and tips on how you can advance your career journey in tech and IT. Some contacts may be able to introduce you to people who are working in the types of roles you are aiming for, or they might know of available job opportunities that would interest you.
Going back to the topic of tech skills gaps, you may not be suprised to learn that AI and machine learning is a top area where tech leaders are in need of talent, according to research for Building Future-Forward Tech Teams. But there are many other areas, too, including data science and database administration and cloud architecture and operations.Keep in mind that you may need to expand or enhance your current abilities before applying for hard-to-staff jobs in tech and IT. That might include earning in-demand IT certifications or even pursuing an academic degree in a subject relevant to your field of interest.Working as a contract professional can also help you gain valuable skills and experience and determine whether a particular path in technology is really right for you. Robert Half’s workplace research shows that technology leaders are most likely to use contract professionals this year for projects related to:AI and machine learningSoftware and applications developmentTechnology process automationSecurity, privacy and complianceCloud architecture and operation
Many hard-to-staff roles in the tech field today are vital to shaping the future of work, where AI is poised to become an even greater presence in everyday business operations. With that in mind, here are a few examples of jobs that women in tech may want to consider targeting:Big data engineerBig data engineers design and implement solutions that allow organizations to analyze large and complex datasets and extract insights the business can use for decision-making, to improve operational performance and to better serve customers. Big data engineers communicate with business users and data scientists to understand business objectives and translate them into data-processing workflows.Data scientistData science is a rapidly growing field that focuses on using data to drive insights and make informed business decisions. Data scientists develop innovative solutions to business challenges by applying their mathematical and analytical skills to detect patterns in very large data sets. They often work closely AI and machine learning engineers to develop and deploy AI models. Data scientists have skills that transcend the IT organization, which is why you will often find these professionals working in other functions, from finance to marketing.DevOps engineerDevOps engineers serve as the bridge between coding and engineering, working across departments to develop and improve IT systems. They are responsible for building, expanding and enhancing IT infrastructure, including cloud infrastructure, to help drive business productivity. These tech professionals often play a key role in project planning, sharing their knowledge and assessing the risks and benefits of developing or modifying software and systems.Find out what coding languages tech leaders are on the lookout for in 2024.Cloud architectCloud computing has become an essential part of many businesses’ IT infrastructure and is vital to supporting their day-to-day operations, including remote and hybrid team collaboration. Cloud architects are needed to develop an organization’s cloud strategy, design scalable and secure cloud infrastructure, and implement the necessary cloud-based solutions to support business requirements. (See this post to learn more about top cloud roles and skills.)Security architectAs cyber threats like ransomware continue to increase, many organizations are working to strengthen their IT security. They need security architects to help them design, build, test and implement security systems within their IT networks. These pros can also help to continually refine an organization’s IT security infrastructure and approach to protect against cyber threats — and help secure remote and hybrid workforces.Discoverother in-demand technology positions for 2024.
Not sure what knowledge and skills you need to position yourself for jobs and projects that involve AI? Get insight in Building Future-Forward Tech Teams from Robert Half.
Robert Half can help you find a rewarding career in technology. As a starting point for your job search, view our current listings for tech and IT positions.If you find an opportunity that interests you, apply online or upload your resume to work with one of our specialized recruiters.
