FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
Women in the channel : How to pursue a career in technology
While around 40 % of women make up the global workforce , according to a report by The World Bank , the number of women working in technology is much lower . In the US about 25 % of the workforce are employed in technology ( according to data from the National Centre for Women and Information Technology ), while in Europe it hovers more around the 17 % mark ( according to the European Commission ’ s Women in Digital Scoreboard ). There are still fewer girls taking STEM subjects at school than boys . Intelligent Tech Channels spoke to three women who work in the channel about their experience in the technology industry and how they discovered their role .
SSUZANNE AL NAJJAR , CHANNEL MANAGER – KSA AT A10 NETWORKS
Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you ended up in your current position ?
I started working in the IT field in 2014 with a distributor for network and network security products . I then joined a system integrator as a territory sales manager , tasked with the role of expanding its market coverage . Following that , I joined Micro Focus to support the company in growing its business in Saudi Arabia . I then landed a Channel Account Manager role at A10 Networks in March of last year – a position that I currently hold .
Why is the technology industry such a male-dominated field ?
I believe it ’ s a combination of culture , community and education . And the
Suzanne Al Najjar , Channel Manager – KSA at A10 Networks perpetuation of stereotypes that technology and all things technical are a man ’ s domain . However , the world is progressing and the gender gap is decreasing . We are seeing a rising involvement of women in the technology field , even in leadership positions .
Have you faced challenges within the industry because you are a woman ?
I don ’ t really spend much time
dwelling on these issues . Instead of thinking about myself as a woman in a male-dominated field , I simply focus on being the best . I believe that this attitude is what draws admiration and support from colleagues , which neutralises any negative gender issues .
What advice would you offer women who might be interested in pursuing a career in technology and in particular , the channel ?
In my mind , there is no gender inequality when it comes to capabilities . Women are competent to do everything that men can do . And so , my advice to anyone pursuing a career in technology would be to , ‘ Believe in yourself and work with passion ’.
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