Written by Lauren Dunkley, Junior Web Developer at Giraffe Web Design Agency
The design industry can be a fast-paced exciting environment, with new trends emerging all the time, however, it also comes with its challenges and potential setbacks as a woman in tech. Throughout my web design journey with giraffe, I have learnt various valuable insights that have helped me navigate my way through this industry.
- Resilience is key – The tech world is tough, but I have learned to overcome various challenges by never taking opinions personally, but by taking criticism constructively and allowing it to shape how I work.
- Continuous Learning – Within an industry that evolves at the speed of light, staying up to date with trends and making sure you have the skills for the programmes you’re using is essential.
- Your Voice Matters – Speaking up and sharing ideas is vital. Sometimes it can be scary, but I’m lucky to be somewhere where my voice and opinion is valued, and we all work together to reach our goals.
- Building a Support Network – Having a network around you that encourages you to be the best you can be and embraces your continuous growth is so important, especially having a sense of community in the same industry.
- Embrace Challenges – We learn more from our mistakes than our successes, so it’s important to encourage them both. Stepping out of my comfort zone has allowed me to expand my capabilities.
- Advocating for Balance – Finding a good work-life balance and setting boundaries in places with both your colleagues and clients helps to maintain stability within your role.
- The Power of Community – Engaging with tech communities both online and in person has many benefits as you have a common ground in which to share knowledge and experiences.
- Representation Matters – Being active and loud within the industry is important, as it allows other women to pursue similar careers and aspirations. Feeling represented in every way is the way forward and embracing this fully is the first step.
- Imposter Syndrome is Common – Feeling like an imposter is something I have experienced before, having entered the industry with no prior experience in web design services. However, it’s something that I have learned to ignore, instead choosing to trust the process within my own journey.
- Soft Skills are Underrated – Soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem solving has proven to be equally important as technical skills in the tech industry. Combining the two is even more valuable.
These insights are a constant reminder for me personally and have helped shape me into the developer I am today. I am still learning, growing and finding my way within the tech industry but feel that I have a voice and shouldn’t be afraid to shout about my work within my company.
To all the women out there in tech—or those considering a career in it—embrace these insights and know that your contributions are invaluable.
