In South Africa we celebrate Women’s Month in August. Something that we’re very excited about over here at SOLIDitech. The reason is simple: This month is important for us and the tech workforce. Why? It gives us an opportunity to discuss the significance of the lack of female representation in the tech industry, especially in software development.

This month at SOLIDitech, we’re celebrating Women’s Month by highlighting and celebrating the women who ARE making an impact - giving them a platform to share their experiences and advice with those who are eager to join the software industry.

So listen up.

Introducing the Women of SOLID

Our SOLID women are our Management Team, Software Engineers, Quality Assurance Analysts, Operational Staff, Marketing, Scrum Managers, Sales and Business Analysts.

And they make a difference.

We are extremely fortunate to have a very diverse bunch of ladies. They come from many different backgrounds, different countries, different cultures and different age categories, and have some very different jobs.

Here’s a bit more about a few of them:

Merissa Badenhorst - Software Engineer

How would you describe what you do? “I'm the main developer on a software project team, where I design and implement solutions to problems for our clients daily. I work directly with our clients to get to the root of their problems and make their lives easier.” Tell us about your journey thus far: “I’ve been working in tech for about 3.5 years after studying a BSc Information Technology in Information and Knowledge Systems, and an Honours in Computer Science. I knew very early on (about 9 years old) that I wanted to do ‘programming’. One of my first memories ever is sitting on my dad's lap while he worked on his computer (one of those old big ones!). I loved it, and knew it was for me.”

 

 

Marilize Laskey - Scrum Manager

How would you describe what you do? “I’m a Scrum Manager, and it’s my job to drive customer project delivery by supporting the Development Manager and Team Leads. But really it means being my teams’ mommy, doctor, sociologist and lawyer. I have my teams’ back every second, so that they can focus on their work. And I love it”. How did you find your way to this role? “I studied IT at CPUT and got my degree in IT Management 16 years ago - but I just could not see myself developing. I would describe myself as a chatterbox and I love to help people. I decided to further my studies and got my Project Management and Scrum Master Diplomas. I’ve had a few different jobs that have all helped to progress my career to where I am today at SOLIDitech. At SOLID they don't see gender, they see your worth and what you are capable of doing. Being a mom and still having a high pressure job is a major challenge, but one I have learned to deal with.”

 

 

Victory (Toree) McDonald - Quality Assurance Analyst (QA)

How would you describe what you do? “My role as a QA is to test software before it is sent to the client so that I can help the team identify any issues early in the development process, as well as to ensure that only quality software gets sent to the client.” Tell us about your journey thus far: “I’m very new to the industry (about 8 months of working now). I chose IT as a subject back in High school. At the time it was just something that seemed interesting, and I had no idea how to work with a computer. After the first few classes in programming, I practically fell in love. I enjoyed solving problems and IT became my favourite subject. I enjoyed the challenges it came with, and the feeling of achievement when solving a problem. I ended up studying Computer Science and Business Computing at the University of Cape Town.” :)

 

 

Laylaa Banderker - Business Analyst

How would you describe what you do? “I’m responsible for gathering, analysing and documenting customer requirements, then working with the Development Manager and client to compile a project proposal/quote.” How did you find your way to this role? “Sometimes your career will evolve. I went from studying Information Systems at UCT, to becoming a Software Developer, to moving into a Quality Assurance Analyst role here at SOLIDitech, to today, where I’m a Business Analyst. I love the data analysis and science aspect of software, and have been able to move around, all the while learning and developing myself - finding my little niche.”

Some of our ladies are fresh out of varsity and this is their first job. Some of the more experienced ladies have been in the industry for well over a decade, with some SOLID (see what we did there) experience in tech.

One particular experience that stands out is that of our Office Administrator, Lee Goldschmidt. She started out as a Clinical Aesthetician, with a background in Office Administration. With little experience in the tech industry, she’s grown to be not only tech-savvy, but being THE go-to person in the office for anything, from running diagnostics on a laptop, to keeping a large team of Software Engineers happy.

While we have diverse and talented women at SOLIDitech, they all have one thing in common - their love and passion for the industry.

It’s clear we have some seriously interesting ladies at SOLID - and you’ve only met a few of them so far...

What do our ladies like about working in Software?

A very common theme when chatting about why our ladies chose to work in software is a love of problem-solving. You don’t need to have studied Computer Science or IT to work in the industry. Our team comes from a variety of educational backgrounds and we even have someone who studied Economics and Statistics join us as a Quality Assurance Analyst, because she loves the environment and the opportunities to learn and grow, that working in Software provides.

When asked what they like the most about working in Software, here’s what some of our ladies said:

“The fast-paced change. And the exposure to the most cutting-edge tech stuff. It's not something I really appreciate until I talk to friends in other industries.” - Annette Gardner, Marketing Manager

“I love the fact that things evolve constantly, not to mention the fact that tech is what's driving the world right now, so it's a particularly important industry to be involved in.” - Nicole Cogill, Marketing Assistant

 

“I enjoy the type of people that work in the tech field. I also enjoy that we can create something that has real benefit to our clients.” - Nadine Griebenow, Scrum Manager

 

“Personally I love a good challenge, and what is more challenging than solving tech problems, not to mention how gratifying it feels when a working solution is found. Tech is the future. Being part of a team and company who strives to improve business processes is very satisfying. Knowing that I am part of a team that makes that much of a difference and a change, is truly worth it. Another point to add is that it's a field that is always changing and you never stop learning, you just keep growing.” -Victory (Toree) McDonald - Quality Assurance Analyst

 

“You are working in and around highly skilled, talented individuals who lift you up and make you feel a part of this amazing family.” - Lee Goldschmidt, Office Assistant

 

The journey to beginning and continuing a career in tech, as a woman, can be daunting. But regardless of the challenges, it’s clear that perseverance and determination is key to a successful career, especially in Software Engineering.

Ultimately, you have to find an area of Software that you’re passionate about. You don’t have to be a rockstar coder to land a job in Software. With some basic skills in coding, a willingness to learn and some hard work, you could be on your way to greatness. It’s about what makes you happy and finding the right company to work for, to show off your awesome skills.

“I would encourage girls to start embracing tech from as young as possible. I wish I was encouraged to do IT when I was at school. However it is also never too late, I only started working in tech when I was 29.” - Nadine Griebenow, Scrum Manager

 

“Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try, regardless of your background.” - Victoria Basopo, Quality Assurance Analyst

 

“Do not feel intimidated. If you love it, then you are already an unstoppable force. Don't let society or anyone else tell you otherwise. Be prepared to always be learning and don't let mistakes or failures stop you. Mistakes and failures are what is going to build your character and help you grow. One of my favourite quotes goes like this: “The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.” It shows that even the best of the best has made mistakes so don't beat yourself for yours. Also, don't compare your chapter 2 with someone else's chapter 10. Don't focus on being better than someone else, rather be better than the person you were yesterday, that's real progress.” -Victory (Toree) McDonald, Quality Assurance Analyst

 

“Do it. Don't be afraid. Don't be intimidated. Be yourself. Stand by your opinions. You have just as much to offer as absolutely anyone else - and don't let anyone tell you any different.” - Annette Gardner, Marketing Manager

 

"Do it! It's fun. If it's something you enjoy, don't be intimidated by companies having fewer women, we need you to get into tech so that there is more of a balance. Also you'll have a very desirable skill" - Beth Lazard, Quality Assurance Analyst

 

“Don't ever be afraid to do something out of the "norm". We are pushing boundaries every day and you are just as important as anyone else in this world to set new boundaries and expand your horizon. The moon is no longer as far as we can reach so let's keep reaching!” - Lee Goldschmidt, Office Assistant

 

In Conclusion

Being a minority in the workplace is never easy, but it takes a level of courage, determination and passion to overcome these challenges and eventually things start to look up. One of our ladies, Merissa Badenhorst said it best - “If you love tech and it's what you want to do, then do it. Don't let anything get you down.” Anyone can have a career in tech, regardless of gender, race or background.

In the end, if you’re passionate about something, it not only sparks something in you, but encourages others to follow suit, which in turn leads to more girls being confident to go after jobs in Software.

To find out more about SOLIDitech, what we’re about, and what career options are available to you, visit our website.