The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce landscape in Australia has begun to shift in recent years. In 2021, the Australian Government’s STEM Equity Monitor found 36% of people studying STEM-related VET or university degrees were women – up two percentage points from 2015. Similarly, as of 2021, women comprised 28% of the STEM workforce – an increase from 24% in 2015.
So, how can the industry continue on this upwards trajectory and support more women to pursue careers in the sector?
For this year’s International Women’s Day, livesign’s Product Manager Natalie Skinner has shared her insights into the technology industry, her journey and the opportunities for growth and equity across the sector.
1. How did you get into the technology industry and how long have you worked in it for?
It’s been almost a decade since I had a complete career change from working as a medical scientist to the tech industry. I first delved into the world of digital verification with a role as an Identity Agent with a VOI start-up. This position evolved as the business was acquired by a legal tech company and the industry moved away from in person meetings.
2. What does a typical day at work look like for you now and what do you enjoy most about your role or company?
I support our clients as well as their customers with our solution, livesign. The current focus is on maximising our customer satisfaction score and this involves monitoring feedback and identifying issues and opportunities for improvement. I then work closely with our development team to devise and implement enhancements and I enjoy seeing how these have a direct impact on customer satisfaction.
3. Do you feel as though there are more opportunities for women in technology now compared to when you first started?
Yes absolutely – I’ve seen more women in software engineering and product manager roles in recent times. With more innovation in Australia than ever before, I think people are getting excited about being involved. This means additional jobs and opportunities for women who may have previously thought these roles were hard to get in a traditionally male dominated industry.
4. In 2022, the Australian Computer Society’s Digital Pulse survey found women make up just 31% of Australia’s technology workforce. In your opinion, what steps need to be taken to improve this number?
It would be great if there was more awareness of success stories from tech companies about women within their workforce. Also, organisations like WALTA (Women of Australian Legal Technology Association) are impressive in how they connect women within the industry who can then be of mutual benefit to one another.
5. What’s your advice for women looking to start out in technology, or looking for a career change into the sector?
Attend networking events where you’ll get the chance to meet women in the industry. Do your research on companies to see how they approach diversity. Look at employee reviews, if they have any policies or programs in place for professional development and whether they currently have females in leadership roles.
6. What kind of female leaders inspire you, and what characteristics do you think are important as a leader?
I admire female leaders that mentor and advocate for other women around them. Our CEO Lara Paholski is one such leader and her journey within the tech industry has been impressive. I also admire the likes of Liz Watson, the Captain of the Australian Diamonds Netball Team. She leads by example, is so determined out on court but always maintains her composure.
