Written by: Sheetal Sujan, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In May 2023, I had the privilege of attending an ICT Summit in Paramaribo, Suriname, where I played a vital role as a board member of the ICT Association. In my closing keynote on day one, I spoke about how women in ICT can grow and thrive in the field of ICT.
During my keynote address, I took the opportunity to share my journey and experiences in ICT. I recounted my early days working at an Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Trinidad and Tobago when I was only 17. Completely immersed in the field, I eventually became an assistant trainer, teaching MS Office courses at the organization. However, despite my passion for ICT, I encountered a lack of support to pursue further studies in the field. Consequently, I took a detour and embarked on a nine-year career in retail. However, fate had something extraordinary in store for me during that time—I met someone who reignited my passion for ICT. This individual was an ICT nerd, computer programmer, and coder, and is now my husband. Together, we founded Lybra Training, Coaching, and Consulting, combining our expertise in digital and people transformations.
During my keynote, I shared my personal story and provided valuable insights and tips for women working in the ICT field.
Tips for Women in ICT – Empowering individual growth
Shift your beliefs
Believe in your abilities and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Challenge self-limiting beliefs and embrace a mindset of growth and possibilities. If you constantly believe that women can't thrive in tech, won't be paid enough, or won't receive the same opportunities as men, you may inadvertently attract those limitations into your life and miss out on recognizing opportunities that come your way. By shifting your beliefs, trusting that opportunities exist, and embracing the idea that you can grow and thrive in tech as a woman, you will attract more of those opportunities and notice your growth. Remember, what you focus on expands, and when you choose to focus on thriving in this field, you'll begin to recognize and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Find your support network
We all need support in our lives. Surround yourself with a supportive network of individuals who believe in your potential. If you are a parent, share chores and child-rearing responsibilities with your partner. Remember, it takes a village to raise children, so find your village. I had to find my village to make everything work. I realized I couldn't do it all alone, so I reached out to my parents and in-laws, split chores with my husband, and asked for help when needed. It can be overwhelming and lonely to handle everything alone, so be courageous enough to ask for help when you need it. When you have people, you can reach out to for support, it makes life easier.
Invest in your skills
Constantly strive to improve your abilities. Invest in your skills and knowledge by investing in personal and professional growth certifications, and advanced training in your field. Stay curious and stay updated with the latest developments in your industry. When you stay ahead of the curve, you'll grow and advance more rapidly, and your qualifications and experience will speak for themselves. Therefore, keep learning about your field and work towards becoming an expert in it.
Showcase your accomplishments
Create tangible evidence of your achievements. Share concrete examples of your skills and successes, such as projects, success stories, and positive outcomes. Encourage others to advocate for your abilities, and let their voices contribute to your professional reputation. When others start sharing and talking about your work, you can expect even more growth and opportunities to come your way. As I often say, "Show what you do, don't just talk about it." It is a bonus when others start sharing stories about the exceptional experiences, they've had working with you.
Prioritize a healthy work environment
Recognize the significance of a positive and supportive workplace. If you find yourself in a toxic or unsupportive environment that hinders your growth and well-being, consider exploring other opportunities that align with your values and goals. Be prepared to walk away from bosses and situations that do not serve you. If something doesn't feel right in your workplace, know that the more you tolerate it, the more you accept it into your life and the more likely you are to find yourself in similar situations in the future.
Support fellow women
As you ascend in your career, lift others along with you. Extend support and mentorship to fellow women in the ICT industry. Share your knowledge, provide guidance, and help create a supportive network of women empowering each other. Women supporting other women is the best kind of support. If you are in a leadership position, you have the power to uplift other women in the field by sharing your experiences, offering guidance to young girls and women looking to thrive in this industry, and encouraging them to support other women in their lives.
Embrace your worth
Understand that you belong in the world of ICT. Recognize that your skills, perspectives, and contributions are valuable and needed. Believe in yourself and the unique perspective you bring to the field.
The ICT summit served as a powerful catalyst for change, bringing together experts and enthusiasts to champion the cause of gender equality in the industry. By implementing the suggested strategies and adopting an inclusive mindset, we can create a future where women in ICT unlock their full potential, paving the way for innovation, progress, and a more balanced and diverse industry.
Let us continue to celebrate the achievements of women in ICT, provide them with the support they deserve, and work collectively to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where women thrive in the exciting and ever-evolving field of ICT.
*ICT – Information, Communication & Technology.
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Sheetal Sujan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Sheetal, the Director of Lybra Training, Coaching & Consulting, is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in delivering professional development programs to individuals, teams, and corporate organizations. Sheetal is well-versed in providing training programs in productivity, team building, emotional intelligence, and personality assessments. Driven by a passion for helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential, Sheetal is dedicated to providing the highest quality training and coaching services.
