Women Software Engineers, Going Against the Norm

People are always surprised when I tell them what I do for a living. Whether they say it out loud or just say it with their eyes, I can tell. I’m a software developer, an unusual job for a woman, and to tell you the truth, I love it. There’s nothing like that moment when you FINALLY figure out just the right solution for the problem you are working on. That is, after all, what the technology field is all about: problem solving.

Technology can help us in many ways and solve many problems. In business it can help improve efficiency and communication and automate repetitive tasks. There are even ways to integrate all parts of the business by having all data and information in one central location, making them accessible to everyone in the company. Here at The Business Solution, I get to do that every day: help people and businesses become more efficient.

As a woman in technology, I am in the minority. However, I really don’t think about it much because it rarely, if ever, has an effect on me or my ability to do my job. The fact is that being in a minority group in a field has its advantages. Megumi or I may be able to see a problem or solution from an angle that our male co-workers are not able to see. Our opinions are valued and sought after. The skills needed to succeed in this field are skills in which many women excel: Problem solving, creativity, attention to detail, patience, and persistence. I have always been interested in computers and coming up with new, creative ways to do things. Becoming a software engineer has been a great way to use those interests in my profession.

I would love to see a rise in the participation of women in technology. In my opinion, there is no reason for this to stay a male-dominated field. Women have a lot they can bring to the field and I hope there are those out there who are brave enough to do it. If you are a women thinking about entering this exciting and ever-changing field, I say go for it. You will not be disappointed. That is not to say that it will always be easy. It takes time to become proficient. Even then, there are frustrating days, but the benefits win out in the end.