I recently moderated a panel discussion on Career advancement for Women in Tech at The Hague Tech. On the panel were Wafa M’ribah, Jennifer Delano, and Hendrika Willemse. During the panel discussion, we discussed a broad range of career advancement topics, including:
- Why it is important that companies show that they value the women on their teams.
- What men can contribute to the career advancement of women in tech.
- How young women can break into the world of Artificial Intelligence.
The magic from the Q&A
Toward the end, we had quite a bit of time for Q&A. The purpose was to give the women in the room tips that they could use to boost their careers. There was real magic in the answers from the women on the panel as the questions revolved around three themes:
- I have the feeling that people don’t listen to me.
- I get passed over for promotions.
- I’m not getting the pay that I deserve.
As I’m sure that these themes are relevant to many more women than were in the room, I’m sharing their answers and stories here with you.
“It is not your fault.”
It is never good if you feel that you’re not taken seriously. Every person deserves to be respected for who they are and what they do.
And, as Wafa indicated, it is also crucial that you do not take it personally. If people don’t listen to you, help, or support you in the same way that they do with others, you cannot be blamed for that.
“Make a connection.”
When she notices that she has a “difficult” person at work, she schedules a one-on-one meeting to get to know that person. Or, if it’s a colleague, she will try to work one-on-one with that person, like in pair programming.
This way, she gets to know the person, and the person gets to know her. They will notice that Wafa has got her act together, which builds trust and helps build a relationship.
As a result, people will be more likely to understand the value that you bring and make an effort to help you when you need it.
“Know your value“
Knowing your value also means recognizing your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities. Take the time to reflect on your achievements, skills, and expertise. Highlight any certifications, awards, or projects that demonstrate your capabilities and add value to your profile.
“Do benchmark research.”
Understanding your worth and having the confidence to negotiate is crucial in both personal and professional settings. When it comes to negotiating a salary, it is essential to know your worth.
Therefore, Hendrika recommends doing your benchmark research before negotiating a salary. And she indicated that even when there is little room for improvement on the base salary, there is always something to negotiate for. Consider items like time off, expense payments, and other secondary benefits.
Knowing your value will help you negotiate a fair compensation. That applies to entrepreneurs, too, as Jennifer explained. She said that she never negotiates about the prices she charges her customers.
“Take action”
So when you discover you’re undervalued compared to colleagues, you want to take that up with your manager.
When Hendrika learned she was underpaid, she discussed this with her manager. Specifically, she asked him what their next step would be and when this would be taken.
When my girlfriend felt she was not getting the promotion she deserved, she deployed the following powerful tactic: She asked her manager to sit down with her and discuss what she needed to do (training, performance, achievements) to get the promotion. She then documented this in the HR system so that when she had met the requirements, she was promoted.
“Document your achievements.“
This is a tip I got from Marie Weijler when I interviewed her on the podcast in 2022. And it is one that I pass on every time I hear a woman tell me that she has been passed over for a promotion
Marie stated that it is easy to assume that people will see how hard you work, but they don’t. We’re generally focused on how we’re doing ourselves. Your manager is no exception to that rule. Only in some extraordinary circumstances will they notice the out or underperformance of others.
It’s as simple as writing an email.
Marie Weijler’s solution is that she sends an email to her managers every week to document what she has been working on. This avoids the trap of thinking that others will see what you’re doing.
This sounds quite simple, but don’t underestimate the importance of documenting your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Keeping a record of your accomplishments serves several purposes.
And, of course, if your company has an HR system that facilitates this, you should use that to document your achievements.
Here’s why
Firstly, it allows you to track your own progress and reflect on how far you’ve come. Documenting your own progress, particularly when written down on paper, will help you remember when you’re negotiating for a raise or a promotion.
Secondly, it provides valuable evidence of your skills and abilities when updating your resume or portfolio.
Lastly, it can remind you of your capabilities during times of self-doubt or when preparing for job interviews or performance evaluations.
Here’s how to document
To execute this, consider creating a file or document where you regularly update your achievements. Include specific details such as project outcomes, quantifiable results, and any positive feedback received. This comprehensive record will not only boost your confidence but also provide concrete evidence of your value and impact.
Remember, knowing your value, ensuring you are valued, and documenting your achievements are vital components of personal and professional growth. By practicing these principles, you can navigate toward fulfilling opportunities and a sense of fulfillment in your endeavors.
“There are other jobs.”
It’s essential for everyone, not just women, to be in an environment where your contributions are recognized and appreciated.
During the panel discussion, Wafa stressed that if you feel undervalued consistently and efforts to address the issue have proven unsuccessful, it might be time to evaluate your options.
And, as Hendrika adds: “There are always other jobs. Specifically in tech, there are always companies willing to pay what you’re worth.”
The seven things you can start doing today
So, these are the seven strategies that women in tech can deploy to advance their careers.
- Always keep in mind that it is not about you
- Make a connection
- Know your value
- Do benchmark research
- Take action if you feel undervalued
- Document your achievements
- Remember, there are other jobs
Before I close out, I want to stress that it is also essential to consider your own mental health in this context. A supportive and appreciative work or personal environment can have a significant impact on your overall happiness and success. Surrounding yourself with people who value and respect you will boost your confidence, motivation, and productivity.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 