Breaking the bias: women disrupting the tech industry
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Princess Simeon and Rena Yu are Software Developers at Zipform Digital. With nearly 30 years experience between them in the tech industry, these women are working to break the bias in this male dominated field.
According to a 2021 survey on worldwide gender representation in the tech industry by a global software developer, 91.7% were male, with just 5% being female. We spoke with Princess and Rena just in time to observe the launch of International Women’s Day 2022 campaign #breakthebias.
How did you get into Software Development?
Princess: I graduated with a B.S. Computer Engineering degree in the Philippines. My first job was as a Technical Staff/Programmer in an Engineering/Electrical Industry, that was my training ground as a software developer after I graduated university.
I also worked in a bank as an Analyst/Programmer before moving to Singapore and continuing work there as a Software Engineer until we decided to migrate and continue to build our family here in Perth.
Rena: I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and then studied for my Master’s Degree in Information System Management before then moving into the oil, gas and mining industries.
What got you first interested in the tech industry?
Rena: There is such a high demand for good people in Perth and with so many career options available, it was a relatively simple decision for me.
Princess: My mom influenced me to take the course in Computer Engineering. After I got my first job, I found that I really enjoyed it and felt a great sense of fulfillment and accomplishment after building an application and deploying it for a client.
Did you have any obstacles that you have had to overcome?
Princess: As a software developer the usual obstacles were being able to learn and adapt to the technology stack used in your new role. I’ve found that what you’ve used and know from your previous roles is different from what is needed in the other roles. You need to be flexible and adapt as quickly as you can but there are a lot of resources and references that you can use so it is not impossible to overcome such obstacles.
Do you have a female role model?
Princess: Growing up, my mom worked in a corporate environment. She would bring us with her once in a while and I saw how she worked hard and enjoyed her work. At the same time, she still managed to take care of us and teach us valuable lessons in life.
As a kid I dreamed of being able to do the same as her when I grew up.
Why do you think there aren’t more women in IT?
Rena: I think that women are generally not interested in the IT industry, they think it is too difficult.
Princess: I’m not sure, maybe they believe the job is challenging which I think it is. From my experience the job is very stressful, especially if you have a deadline to meet.
What advice would you give other woman who are looking to get into your field?
Princess: If women want to pursue a career in IT, they should give themselves time to learn, and be willing to learn from other’s opinions. In that way other people will help you learn new things and you will get a good level of knowledge and wisdom from them. Lastly, you should be persistent, determined and don’t give up easily, because a career in IT is not easy but it’s a fulfilling job.
Rena: Be aware that it’s a male dominated industry. Focus on the positive and learn to speak up for yourself.