Women in tech: revealing diverse careers beyond code

I did not begin my career intending to work in technology, but I have since served in operational, strategic, and leadership roles in tech, and eventually co-founded a software company. That experience shapes how I think about tech careers today, particularly for women and girls who may not immediately see themselves in the stereotypical image of someone who works in tech.

Young girls and women considering tech careers may envision software engineering and deeply technical roles - and representation there is so important. But not every impactful career in tech begins with a computer science degree. Clarifying that distinction opens doors that many people don't realize exist.

Finding Success in Tech Beyond Engineering

Technology companies today depend on far more than software engineering. Sales, marketing, product strategy, customer success, communications, finance, and people leadership are all key to building and scaling modern software businesses. Increasing awareness about these lesser-known paths would help ensure women and girls understand the full range of opportunities available to them in tech.

My own journey reflects this reality. I studied English education and spent two years teaching high school before realizing it was not the right fit. Through friends and family who worked in tech, I had some exposure to the industry, and when the opportunity came to join a startup as an early employee, I jumped at it. It was there I found my niche. Over the years, I wore many hats, including roles in customer success, product management, and marketing. I later stepped into a chief of staff role focused on shaping company culture, building communication systems, aligning priorities, and ensuring teams were focused on shared goals. These skills became the foundation for co-founding Prismatic.

At no point have I needed to be a software engineer to contribute meaningfully to building a software company. That distinction - between technology as an industry and software engineering as one discipline within it - is essential to widening the lens on what a tech career can look like.

Tech companies depend on a diverse set of functions. Many women build meaningful careers in  software engineering, of course, but also in data science, systems analysis, product management, project leadership, sales, marketing, operations, and beyond. The industry benefits when it draws from a wide range of skills and experiences across roles. Expanding awareness of those paths simply ensures more people can make informed career decisions.

At Prismatic, we strive to make the contributions of all roles tangible. By codifying values based on shared behaviors and embedding them into hiring, performance, and recognition practices, we aim to create an environment where people of all genders understand how their work drives company success. That clarity supports engagement and retention - outcomes that benefit individuals, teams, and families alike.

How Lack of Visibility Impedes Opportunity

When young people are exposed only to the engineering pathway to a career in tech, they often overlook the breadth of opportunities available. This gap in perception starts early. In communities without visible tech role models, particularly outside of tech hubs, girls may conclude that technology isn't for them before they ever consider it. My nieces and my own daughters know a tech career is possible because they see me in the industry. Career aspirations are shaped not just by job fairs or school programs, but also by the adults children see in their day-to-day lives. Representation matters.

Once inside the industry, many discover the work itself is deeply rewarding. Tech companies offer fast-paced environments, intellectually stimulating problems, collaboration with talented peers, and strong earning potential across functions. They also offer the chance to help shape how teams operate and how products evolve.

Yet the dominant narrative still equates "tech" with writing code. When the entry point appears singular, many capable women opt out before they fully understand the range of roles available. Broadening how we talk about careers in technology is increasingly important. When we expand our definition of tech roles and spotlight the wide range of functions that make companies successful, more women can see viable paths that align with their strengths and interests.

Progress will not happen overnight. But it improves when industry narratives reflect the full spectrum of roles that technology companies offer. By doing so, we make clear that technology is not a narrow track reserved for coders. It is a broad landscape of opportunities where impact, leadership, and meaningful career growth are possible.

International Women's Day is a moment not just to celebrate women in tech, but also to clarify what tech careers can be. When we do that, more women and girls can make informed decisions about whether the industry is right for them and pursue it if it is.