Girls have a place in IT sector

MANILA, Philippines – The tech sector is no longer a man’s world. Just think of Yahoo’s Marisa Mayer, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg and others who made a mark and excelled in the IT industry.

A career in the IT industry is both lucrative and a rewarding experience. Women should definitely consider carving a career path in the tech sector.

Microsoft Philippines and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) believe there is a place for women in the tech industry. That’s why recently both have partnered to hold the DigiGirlz 2016 Philippines, one of Microsoft’s flagship programs that encourages young women to take up STEM-related courses (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). The initiative aims to help young girls prepare for the challenges of the global economy and future workplace, and learn about careers in business and technology.

The event, which was held at the ADB center in Pasig, likewise aims to promote gender equality, helping bridge the gender gap in the IT industry in accordance with ADB’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and to empower all women in the fight against inequality.

Some 215 female high school students and 15 teachers from Saint Pedro Poveda College, St. Paul College Pasig, and Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) attended the one-day program and participated in interactive sessions with career executives who shared their life experiences. There was also a meet-and- greet with female leaders and role models in the technology sector, enlightening participants about careers in business and technology.

Students had fun with the Hour of Code session, a global Microsoft initiative that introduces the basics of computer science, through which the participants at the event were given the opportunity to do hands-on coding.

A panel discussion on “Career Path”  was also held during the event to guide young participants towards in-depth appreciation and a better understanding of a possible career in technology.

Shanny Campbell, ADB’s senior social development specialist, told participants during a talk how digitization is changing the workplace and providing better quality jobs for young women with STEM backgrounds.

“Digitation is the biggest technological change since electrification,” Campbell said, harping on the wonders of digitization.

She also told the students that tech jobs have competitive salaries.

“Yes, IT jobs pay well,” Campbell said.

When a student asked which field to choose best, Shanny answered, “Pick the one that excites you the most.”

Yvette Watson, a Technology Specialist at Microsoft Philippines, for her part, stressed the importance of planning ahead on what you want to do and stay focused. She advised young women to stay committed to their goals and value the significance of technology knowledge being a basic skills set in tomorrow’s workplace.

Arlene Amarante, director for business strategy at Microsoft and one of the country’s key digital movers, highlighted the significance of education and technology to empower women.

“Whether you are pursuing a career in Marketing or Business, you should always embrace the value of technology as it is an essential tool in today’s modern era. Start working young and be pro-active as you can be,” Amarante said.

The teachers from the school participants also shared their insights about the event.

Shaine Baccay, subject team leader in Science from St. Paul Pasig, emphasized the importance of involving students in this kind of event. “DigiGirlz 2016 is a good avenue for them to be enlightened on the bright opportunities ahead, whether they consider pursuing career in Engineering or Technology,” she said.