March 8, 2023
International Women’s Day is back! The theme for this year is DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality. We had to ask the women of iProov their thoughts on starting careers in the tech industry, the importance of women taking up roles in STEM, women who have inspired them, and more.
What words of wisdom do you have for women starting out their careers?
Beckie: A STEM career can be incredibly rewarding. The work can be challenging, but the professional and personal growth opportunities are immeasurable. You will inevitably need to step outside your comfort zone, but you will be rewarded with learning new skills, increasing your confidence, and expanding your knowledge.
Tara: Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion! When I was new to the tech environment, I kept my questions and thoughts to myself for fear of not knowing everything, or for coming across as inexperienced. I’ve come to embrace that there is absolutely nothing wrong with not knowing everything, or needing to ask for clarification.
Gemma: As someone who is still early on their career I’m always looking for advice – but something I have found very important is asking questions and always looking for opportunities to learn. There are many online courses available that can help you develop your skills. What is great about iProov is our commitment to learning and development and having accessibility to many online resources.
Neishka: The most important thing is to believe in your abilities and yourself. Don’t ever be afraid of sharing your ideas and taking on new challenges. Being a woman in tech you may face unique challenges, but you also have unique strengths and perspectives to offer. Embrace those strengths!
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Nikki: International Women’s Day means highlighting all the remarkable things that women have achieved across the globe regardless of race, religion, or economic status.
Gemma: It’s a day to celebrate all the great things women are doing across the globe. It’s also important to recognize what women have historically which has opened up opportunities for women today.
Why is it important more women take up opportunities in STEM?
Beckie: The diversity of perspectives and experiences that women bring into STEM roles can lead to more innovative solutions to society’s challenges. As part of the iProov team, my work contributes to making a meaningful impact on society.
Tara: One of the things I struggled with the most when I started out was spending time ruminating over and second-guessing whether or not I’m being perceived differently at work just because I’m a woman. I strongly believe the best way to tackle that feeling and remove it as an obstacle for future generations is by encouraging more women to take up opportunities in STEM. That way we can break down historic prejudices and stereotypes, with the goal of making a domain that is perceived as male-dominated feel more welcoming to those looking to start their careers.
Mavi: It’s important to encourage women to navigate all the opportunities available to them. I believe we should put efforts into fighting the stigma around women not belonging in STEM and instead allowing them to feel like the industry is a space for them as much as it has been for men, historically.
Are there any females in your career and life that have inspired you, and why?
Nikki: I have had a handful of women that I have worked with throughout my career that have inspired and helped me grow not only in my career but personally as well. They taught me to use my voice and be confident in my work. Not to be afraid to take a chance and trust my instincts.
Mavi: Many women have inspired me just by showing resilience and tenacity in moments of adversity, or where their womanhood was presented as a struggle or an excuse to undermine them.
Check out our Meet the Team blogs with more women at iProov:
