The tech industry is emerging and growing rapidly, and it offers many exciting opportunities for people of all genders. However, women are underrepresented in the field, particularly in leadership positions. As a parent or guardian, you have the power to get your daughter to pursue a career in tech and help bridge the gender gap.
It is International Women’s month, and in this piece are some tips on how to inspire and empower your daughter to get involved in tech.
7 steps on how to get your daughter to pursue a career in tech
As an adult, it is easy for you to recognise that the future of work is tech. However, for a growing girl, it might take a little pushing for her to see what you see. The first step is to create a connection and introduce her to technology.
Introduce her to technology early on
Start by introducing your daughter to technology at a young age. Encourage her to explore various gadgets and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and maybe even wearable technologies. Teach her how to use basic software and apps and help her discover her interests in the field. You can also enrol her in classes relating to her interests. From coding classes to robotics clubs, there are many areas she can learn and develop mastery in. Catch her young.
Foster her curiosity
Girls are frequently deterred from pursuing careers in technology because they think the field is too difficult or they aren’t smart enough. Encourage your daughter to explore her curiosity and ask questions. Remind her that mistakes are inevitable and that growing from them is an important part of the process. No matter how small they may seem, acknowledge her accomplishments and assist her in overcoming any obstacles.
Provide her with role models
Providing your daughter with role models is among the most effective ways to encourage her to pursue a career in technology. Introduce her to accomplished women in the industry. Show her that women can achieve great things in tech and that she can be part of that success too. She could be introduced to other tech-related women in your network, and you could encourage her to seek out their advice and learn from their experiences.
Make it fun for her
Many girls see the field of technology as dull and uninteresting. Look for ways to make technology engaging and fun for your daughter to make it more appealing. You could create games or challenges that involve her tech interests. You might also nudge her toward using technology to pursue her other passions, like music or art. By making tech a fun and enjoyable activity, your daughter is more likely to see it as a viable career option.
Encourage her to be creative
Tech is a wide field and is not just about coding and programming. Creative people can find a lot of work in the field, like in graphic design, user experience (UX) design, or digital marketing. Encourage your daughter to explore her creativity and show her how technology can be used to express her artistic talents. This could involve creating her own website, designing her own app, or creating digital artwork. By highlighting the creative aspects of tech, you can help your daughter see the field in a new light. The encouraged creativity will give her the freedom to fly as high as she wants in tech.
Showcase to her the impact of tech
Tech has the power to change the world and make a positive impact on people’s lives. Show your daughter how technology does this. Let her see that it is used to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives. A great way to do this is to share stories. So, share stories about tech companies that are making a difference in areas such as healthcare, education, or environmental sustainability. By showcasing the impact of technology, you can help your daughter see this field as another way to make a difference in the world.
Support her tech education
Lastly, if your daughter wants to work in tech, you need to help her with her tech education. Help her identify extracurricular activities that fit her interests and persuade her to enrol in STEM classes. You might also register her for tech camps or other educational courses and programs or events that will aid in her skill development and help her gain practical experience.
Conclusion
In reality, it will take patience, persistence, and support to encourage your daughter to pursue a career in tech. Overall, the key is to expose your daughter to technology early and in a positive way. You also have to give her the tools and support she needs to explore her interests and go into tech as a career.
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