"If we're talking about the inclusion of women in technology, diverse women, I'll raise my hand and want to be part of the conversation." That's how Simara (Mara) Conceição kicked off INSI's first videocast – the company's new content format. Developer, creator of the podcast and channel "Quero Ser Dev," and professor at the NGO Reprograma, Mara was the videocast's first guest, in a special edition of the INSI #WomenInTech initiative. Joining her were INSI's COO and CMO, Ana Carla Martins and Tássia Skolaude, respectively, speaking about "Women, Careers, and Technology."
In the broadcast on March 10, Mara shared how her career transition came about. Starting with telemarketing, moving on to entrepreneurship—in this area, she says, with many failed attempts—and arriving at digital marketing, she opened a small agency. One of her responsibilities was to mentor a course in which she was also a programming student. She became interested in learning to save money, as she would learn to do her daily tasks without having to hire third parties. With that, Mara entered the digital world and spent 2019 immersing herself in technology to learn more about this market. Still, she didn't abandon her business.
"Then came the fateful moment that was 2020. The pandemic arrived, and everyone started asking themselves, 'What will happen?' And I made the decision to pivot. I was a small entrepreneur with small clients, and everyone was very scared in the market. So I decided to use the ace up my sleeve: those programming courses. I continued studying and applying for jobs. I managed to become a Dev, started telling this story on my channel, and here we are," Mara said about her major career change.
With a degree in Mathematics and over 25 years of experience, Ana Carla explained the various careers in technology, the differences between them, and some possible paths to follow. Developer, Agilist, UX, CX, Architecture, and Data Engineering were some of the positions mentioned that are in high demand and are good options for those looking to transition professionally. Within digital transformation (DX), the most important factor is people, and therefore, understanding behavior is essential to deliver successful results.
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The conversation also included several tips on entering the market. There's the idea of faster learning, especially for people looking to change careers, and some options include bootcamps and NGOs. For those just leaving high school, the ideal is to choose college courses that fit a technology profile, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and Systems Analysis and Development. However, there's nothing stopping you from taking the aforementioned programs for rapid learning, as the academic component provides more theory, and it's always good to experience the practical side of things together. INSI even has the INSI League initiative, which supports new and future IT professionals.
Another topic discussed among the women at the panel was the so-called soft skills, behavioral skills related to how to deal with others and oneself in different contexts. Although it's a highly relevant topic, there's a certain neglect when discussing it, and as a result, it was a prime target during the event. The skills that came up in the conversation were: commitment, willingness to learn, initiative, interpersonal relationships, effective communication, and curiosity. Furthermore, the dreaded English language was also addressed. Today, the importance of a second language is undeniable, but for those just starting out and lacking this foundation, it doesn't mean the end. It's advisable to have one, but it's not a barrier. There are resources, such as online translators, that help beginners take their first steps. Investing in an English course can come after you've established yourself and started earning an income. The important thing is to get started.
There were plenty of tips for tech beginners, but what about women in leadership positions? Ana Carla pointed out that women in higher-level positions still have a path to conquer, but that in technology, this number is even lower. She explained that this difference is due to the fact that women must constantly prove their capabilities, a myth that was and still is so widely preached that it has become deeply ingrained. And no, women don't need to prove anything or change their styles to win their place. Companies need to understand the importance of diversity within their teams and that female leadership is fundamental to continued growth. the business. To conclude, the panel answered audience questions, such as the big question, "Is it necessary to know math to enter the digital market?" To find out this answer and learn about many other topics covered in the videocast, watch the full video now and have fun while learning from these great women in IT: