Editor's Note: The Women in Tech Networking Brunch was coordinated, planned and run by Karley Clayton, Director of Luddy Indianapolis Career Services, not Women in Technology student organization. Although, members of Women in Tech were present at the event.
Across many different fields, individuals who identify as women have faced adversity in their chosen career paths, making it difficult for them to advance in the workplace. This problem is particularly prevalent in STEM fields.
Women are the minority in STEM related career paths. The “T” in STEM is no exception, with women only making up about 26.7% of all technical roles globally. Women in Technology, a student organization focused on empowering women to make a difference in their field, held a brunch event on Sept. 6, where students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from various companies and speak about their experiences.
President of Women in Tech, Ikshitha Reedy, believes that the organization has a simple purpose but hopes to make a large impact.
“If you look at the diversity ratio of male to female in the technology work force, it’s very skewed,” Reedy said. “With that, we really want to promote and do events where we are promoting young girls to get into technology. The primary aim remains that we support women in technology in whatever way we can, through networking, etc.”
Harshithavalli Fnu (left), Undergraduate Student Government Senator for Women in Technology (WIT), Saidia Afreen (middle), WIT Engineering and Technology Ambassador and Ikshitha Reddy (right), WIT President, speak at the beginning of the Women in Tech brunch introducing the event.
Iqra Syed, Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) Service Project Manager and former IUPUI student, was one of the company representatives who attended the event and spoke with attendees about her experience.
“It was great to see so many women show up and network with one another,” Syed said. “It was also great to speak with representatives from other companies and organizations too.”
From her own experiences, Syed knows how difficult it can be to be a woman in a male dominated profession.
“I think that a lot of times girls will have a level of imposter syndrome where they are told by men ‘well I can do it better,’ but they should still put themselves out there and see what happens.” Syed said.
Reedy has also faced some challenges in her specific work in the field, although slightly different from Syed.
“Thankfully I am in design, so design studios have a good ratio of male to female,” Reedy said. “But yes, there are times where there are a lot of men. One thing I have found is that, sometimes, when a woman gets promoted as opposed to a man, they will say ‘well she got it just because there might be some reservation or funding reserve’ and not because of her talent. It is very disheartening to hear, because everybody works hard to get where they are.”
In regard to advice, Syed would give to other women who are looking to pursue a career in technology, she had this to say.
“My biggest piece of advice is ‘if it hasn’t been done, why not do it.’ I think a lot of times women are underestimated, or, like in my own education, I was told that I may not be able to do it, but just putting myself out there and doing it was big for me,” Syed said.
Lindsey Proud (left), Talent Acquisition partner, and Iqra Syed (middle), Service Project Manager, speak with attendees of the Women in Tech brunch as representatives from Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG) which is an organization that provides HR, payroll and workforce management solutions.
Reedy offers similar advice to women aspiring to enter the technology field.
“I would say talk and put yourself out there. It doesn’t matter what others are thinking about you. All that really matters is going and putting yourself out there and being vocal about it saying , ‘yes I need this skill,’ ‘yes I need this job,’ ‘yes I need this task,’” Reedy said.
In addition, the women in tech brunch is just one of several other events they plan to do to support women in technology.
“This year we are more focused on doing networking events. It helps [students] get at least two good contacts that you can go back with and have those fruitful conversations,” Reedy said. “Next semester we are having events during the month of March where it is about women. We are planning to do collaborative events with women in business, again, the same chapter at the university promoting feminism and things related to women.”
For more information about Women in Technology and the events they may be hosting, they can be found on the Spot as well as emailed at kmsarver@iupui.edu.
Abigail Godsen (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Applied Information Sciences with a minor in Classics. She is a reporter, podcast co-host and Copy Editor for The Campus Citizen. When she isn’t writing, Abby likes to cook, do crossword puzzles and drink a lot of tea. She can be summoned using tea, cardigans and books (according to her roommate Jackie).
IUPUI students set up encampment following movement of universities across the U.S.
By Abby Godsen | May 2In the last several weeks, students at universities across the U.S. have been setting up pro-Palestinian divestment encampments, and IUPUI is no exception. On April 26, IUPUI students set up their divestment encampment in Democracy Plaza below the Kelley School of Business building by Taylor Hall following the establishment of an encampment on IU Bloomington campus.
SPOTLIGHT: The Jaguar Performing Arts Club showcases the power of student leadership through art and theater
By Trevor Stucker | April 24The Jaguar Performing Arts Club (JPAC) held its signature "Jag Voices" performance this past March.
Looking ahead to the 2024 APIDA Heritage Fashion Show
By Daniel Guevara | April 24The Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Fashion (APIDA) Show will held on Wednesday, April 24, in Campus Center Room 450B and 450C at 6 p.m. Ahead of the show, committee members Katherine Shr and Hang Doan discussed the planning process behind the show and the message behind this year's event to present cultural backgrounds authentically.
