Building tech without code or electrical engineering degrees is opening up specific industries and roles to women. Women have historically been underserved and underemployed within locales such as Silicon Valley, yet more females are becoming an integral part of technology companies in other ways. From UI and UX design to branding, here are some examples.
Managing High Profile Projects
Women make up around 30% of the project management workforce, and roles like this empower non-technical female founders within male-led tech sectors. Strategies for prototyping, outsourcing, and even leveraging vendors such as Aegis Components are just a few examples of how women without EE degrees are becoming an integral part of building a product or service. Communication, organization, and leadership don’t necessarily require coding skills.
Understanding UI and UX
The user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are integral to software, program, and app design. They are the fundamental processes by which users interact with a piece of software, such as the buttons tapped, the journey through an app, and even the colors used. As such, these roles require people who are as creative as they are logical, and women, in general, excel at this particular skill. While coding as technical knowledge is helpful, it’s not a requirement.
Building Tech without Code via Data Analysis
The rise of women in tech has been nothing short of astonishing. Coding and EE degrees aside, US data surveys suggest that 53% of data analysts are female, many of whom contribute greatly to tech projects in various ways. While not always apparent, here are some examples:
- Female data analysis can bring diverse insights into qualitative data projects.
- With more women involved, the chance of biased decisions can be reduced.
- Female skills in data analysis are the perfect complement to that of male counterparts.
Marketing, Branding, and Sales
One of the biggest areas where women are seeing a lot of success is within modern marketing and branding. From logo designers to sales reps, female-led teams bring an outside perspective to these roles and can help shape public image and online presence for a business. Additionally, the female perspective can help reach target audiences outside the male space. Of course, within tech spaces, female teams can also reach out to other women interested in the field.
Establishing Ethics in AI Sectors
As AI becomes more prevalent across every sector and life in general, there is a need to address an increasing concern over AI bias and ethics within this burgeoning sector. A meta-analysis of 555 AI models found that 83% pose a high risk of bias. This is driving the need for female decision-makers to work within AI and tech sectors who can ensure the responsible development of AI. While analysis skills are required, you don’t need coding experience.
Summary
Project management within locales like Silicon Valley is one way women are building tech without code and programming experience. Women are also keenly adept at data analysis and can offer outside perspectives to curb bias on tech projects and within ethical AI systems.
