The technological sector is fast expanding, and women, like the rest of the world, have started to diversify and seek more opportunities in tech. We have begun to come across terms like tech ladies, coding girls, tech girlies, etc.
There are many areas in the tech industry ranging from web design to software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, blockchain, and many more.
If you’re a lady, joining the tech space offers you the opportunity for significant career advancement, skill building, and a fantastic way to earn. But to succeed in the tech space as a woman, you need to possess specific skills.
This article highlights ten must-have skills for tech ladies who desire to do well in the field.
10 Must-have Skills for Tech Ladies in Africa
As a tech lady, you need to understand that certain skills are needed to survive in the industry. The ten most important of these skills are highlighted below;
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Coding expertise
Coding is the brain behind every app and website and can also be said to be the fundamentals of technology. Coding is the translation of words or instructions into machine language, i.e., computer language. Machine language is also called binary language and consists of 1s and 0s. Steve Jobs says it is important to learn computer language as it teaches you to think.
If you’re a lady in the tech space, regardless of your field, you should have basic knowledge of programming, as it is a building block for many aspects of tech.
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Problem-solving skill
Tech as a whole deals significantly with how to solve human problems, and problem-solving skills has been proven to be one of the essential skills in the sector. While at work, there will always be problems to solve and challenges to deal with, especially if you work as a programmer or developer, so it’s a non-negotiable skill to have.
Problem-solving skills encompass creativity, analysis, critical thinking, listening, teamwork, communication, and attention to detail.
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Data analysis and interpretation
Data is the basics of tech, and as a tech lady, you should have this skill. Data analysis is focused on the interpretation of raw data to get more conclusive information. It can also be the discovery of helpful information through inspecting, cleansing, and modeling of data. This skill is essential in decision-making as it reveals insight, opportunities, trends, and patterns when the data is being processed.
It gives foresight into the market and industry and predicts customers’ behavior to demand and supply. The majority of large organizations make their decisions based on data. Hence, knowledge of data analysis is essential.
Read also: Top 10 Most Successful Women in Tech in Nigeria.
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Project management
Project management in tech is based on the monitoring, planning, executing, and scheduling of IT projects. Project management is a skill that has a wide range of uses; it includes risk management, software development, hardware installation, networking upgrades, scoop creeps, and so on.
Processes when managing a project include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing. As a tech lady, you will always be part of a team that works on specific projects, so to climb up the ladder of success, project management skills is essential.
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Communication skills
IT is not all about coding, software, or hardware; soft skills like communication are also needed for the business aspect of tech. Depending on the audience you work with, you are advised to be vast, diverse, and understanding.
Different types of communication skills are needed by tech ladies. They include active listening skills, excellent writing skills, presentation skills, persuasion skills, and change management skills.
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Cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity is one of the most important sectors in tech, and it is used to keep out cyber-related threats from internet-connected systems. Organizations and individuals use it to protect important data against unauthorized access. There are multiple layers of cyber security used to protect information and both hardware and software from attacks and malicious activities.
All tech sisters should have this skill because being security conscious is essential so as not to expose an individual or organization’s infrastructure to hackers.
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Continuous learning
The tech world is evolving, therefore tech ladies need to develop the habit of continuous learning; it’s like updating your knowledge. Reading tech-related books, watching tech news, and keeping up with the latest happenings in the tech world will help you learn and know what to improve on, as well as the current affairs in the industry.
Read also: Top 10 Tech Companies in Nigeria.
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Collaboration and teamwork
Technology is not a one-man job. Everyone on a team is important, and no one can take up the job alone. There has to be a delegation in activities and, hence, building up a team that works together as one.
As a tech woman, you should know how to maintain good relationships with other team members, knowing that all of you are important to get the job done.
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Adaptability and resilience
Change is the only constant thing in life, meaning there will always be moments of change throughout a lifetime. The ability to adapt to both favorable and unfavorable circumstances is a skill that all tech persons must learn, including the ladies. Obstacles are there to make you grow, and when you push through and overcome, you become stronger and better.
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Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI is the new trend in town and has started to be infused into our daily lives and work; it would be a shame as a tech lady not to have the essential skills and knowledge of AI.
Artificial intelligence is the ability of a machine to think, talk, and perform activities like a human. It has its types, which are narrow AI, artificial general intelligence (AGI), and artificial super intelligence (ASI).
The aim of AI is to make life for humans more straightforward and digital. Knowledge of Artificial intelligence and how to leverage it will make all the difference in your work and can be a stepping stone to higher heights.
Read also: 12 Must-have Time Management Skills for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Tech is the fastest-growing industry in our world today, and it’s in need of new talent, both male and female. Essential skills like those listed above are necessary to plant yourself solid in the industry and climb the ladder of growth.
In fields like these, tech ladies need to be encouraged to venture into them; it not only makes them look good but also helps the community and empowers them.
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