Learning from leading women in tech at Sensibill
In January 2021, our team participated in the WISE 2021 National Conference—a virtual event dedicated to connecting and learning from women in technology and engineering. Read on to explore what we learned, and our top career advice!
But first, what is WISE?
WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) is an annual conference dedicated to connecting STEM, empowerment, and professional development. Each year, leading women in science, engineering, and technology meet (this year, virtually) to learn from one another through panels, speakers, workshops, and more.
The conference provides both established and up-and-coming women in STEM the opportunity to connect and network, as well as learn from experienced leaders through their achievements, stories, and journeys.
It’s a unique chance to learn from those with real-world experience, and a few of our own leading women in tech attended. Here’s what our team learned—and our best advice for aspiring young women passionate about pursuing careers in STEM.
Don’t be afraid to pursue your passions
Our team met many amazing young students who aspire to work in STEM—students incredibly interested in and passionate about data, AI, machine learning, and software engineering. We were able to chat with and answer questions from curious students and attendees who share our passion for technology and engineering.
This keen interest in building AI and ML-powered products is something close to our hearts here at Sensibill, especially when those products can have a positive impact on other people’s lives.
“Have confidence in your ability and your skills when going out in the professional world to try and land your first opportunity. The world of engineering, along with all other industries, is better off when there is diversity within it; that includes having more women and more minority groups".” — Sean Araujo, Talent Acquisition Manager
Always be curious
Beyond an interest in what we do here at Sensibill, attendees wanted to know more from our leading women in tech about building careers in STEM.
Life in tech can be exciting, but it also means working hard and focusing on growing your skills and experience. Being driven by curiosity and the possibilities that come with building something you believe in can help drive a career in STEM.
Working in tech also means you’ll have the opportunity to learn from other talented and knowledgeable STEM professionals—passionate people who spend their time doing what they love and can teach others with similar passions.
“This has the potential to be one of the most rewarding careers you will ever have. Daily, you're surrounded by the smartest and brightest people willing to share their knowledge for the betterment of the product or service you're working on. This is a truly rewarding space to be a part of and to grow in.” — Krista Henrich - Data Research Lead
Draw from the strength that comes with being a woman in tech
Like many industries, technology and engineering have long been male-dominated, and there is a lot of work to be done to make the tech landscape more equal for women in STEM. But that’s a strength, not a weakness when it comes to pursuing a career you love in tech!
If tech is what you love, don’t be afraid to pursue it. There’s strength in bringing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and values to this industry that are unique to you as a woman in STEM.
“We females in tech will always need to work a little harder and speak a little louder in male-dominated industries to be taken seriously. But once the reputation is established...we tend to bring a different, unique perspective to complex problems. Anticipate there will be rough times ahead and challenges to conquer (especially emotionally), but our EQ intelligence is our strength. If we can be comfortable and embrace those difficulties, it's a great industry to be in, as most innovation happens here. It is also the most forgiving engineering industry for failing and learning fast. Stay open-minded and stay a sponge if you're a new grad entering the tech industry to thrive.” — Kim Liu, Director of Engineering