The IT sector is full of opportunities, but it is still marked by a lack of diversity. However, innovation is born from the encounter of talents with varied backgrounds. At DUO for a JOB, we are convinced that mentoring is an essential tool for opening the doors of STEM to everyone.
STEM refers to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Persistent barriers for women in IT
While tech jobs are booming, women, and even more so those with an immigration background, remain under-represented. Between gender stereotypes, a lack of inspiring role models, and difficulties in accessing training, the road to a career in IT can seem like a bumpy road.
However, integrating these female talents is not an option, but a necessity. A diverse team brings different perspectives, stimulates creativity, and improves the overall performance of a business.
Mentoring and networking: keys to equal opportunities
It is with this in mind that DUO for a JOB collaborates with Clusity, the #womenintech community. For example, we participate in sessions on the theme “How to start and develop your career in IT through mentoring”. An inspiring moment of exchange, which allowed many participants to better understand the opportunities and challenges of Tech.
In Belgium, 25% of women have degrees in so-called STEM fields; ranking the country in 13th position in Europe, behind France or the Netherlands.
Mentoring, by connecting established professionals and young talent looking for opportunities, promotes inclusion by allowing the transfer of skills, the sharing of experience, and by opening the doors of a network that is often difficult to access.
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A host of possible jobs
The jobs and functions are diverse and offer a host of possibilities: Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester (Pentester), Information System Security Manager (RSSI), Cybersecurity Consultant, Network and Security Engineer, Cloud Solution Engineer, Cloud DevOps Engineer, Cloud DevOps Engineer, Cloud DevOps Engineer, Cloud Administrator, Database Administrator, Cloud Infrastructure Architect, Cloud Operations Manager, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst, Data Visualization Designer, Data Scientist, Sales Analyst, Smart Contracts Developer, Blockchain Developer, Blockchain Developer, Solidity Developer, Meta Designer, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, Back-end Developer, Full-stack Developer, Mobile Developer, etc.
WeMentor: a project to open Tech to women with an immigration background
Our commitment to diversity does not end there. We are proud to be partners of the WeMentor project, an initiative led by the #WeMentorHer collective, in collaboration with Womenpreneur-Initiative and Futureus vzw/asbl.
The common ambition of this project is to open up STEM to women with an immigration background, by offering them tailor-made support, adapted to their needs and ambitions. By encouraging the diversity of backgrounds and profiles in technological professions, WeMentor seeks to create a more inclusive ecosystem, where everyone has the same chance of succeeding.
But inclusion cannot be decreed, it is built through concrete actions. This is why, through this project, we are implementing tangible solutions such as mentoring, practical workshops and networking events. These initiatives allow participants to better understand how the sector works, to acquire key skills and to meet professionals who can guide them on their journey.
A real driver of innovation
In a sector as competitive as IT, diversity is much more than a social issue: it is a real driver of innovation. Businesses that incorporate more women and talent from diverse backgrounds see their innovation and performance capabilities increase.
Numerous studies show that mixed teams are not only more creative, they also make better decisions. Products and services developed by diversified teams better meet the needs of a large audience and are more adapted to market realities.
In addition, an inclusive company improves talent retention and reinforces its attractiveness to candidates, which is a major strategic asset.
At DUO for a JOB, we will continue to work for a more inclusive Tech, where everyone has a place and can contribute to the building. We believe that diversity is a strength and that mentoring is a powerful tool for opening new perspectives to under-represented talent.
Young people supported by DUO for a JOB also tell us about their experiences:
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