For decades, we’ve talked about technology as though it exists in a room of its own.
It has often been presented as a profession for people who are naturally good at maths, who studied computer science, or who can write code from a young age. Despite progress, many girls still don’t see technology as a place where they belong because they believe there is a specific route into it. The reality is very different.
Technology is no longer something we simply “go into”. It is something we live alongside every day. It shapes how we work, learn, communicate, travel and solve problems. Artificial intelligence is becoming part of daily life, while digital technologies underpin everything from healthcare and education to the businesses and services we rely on.
That means technology isn’t just a career option; it’s a life skill.
So perhaps the question isn’t simply how we encourage more girls into technology. It’s how we help them feel confident exploring a world where technology will play a role in almost any career they choose.
There is no single route into tech
My own journey into cybersecurity and emerging technologies was anything but conventional.
I didn’t study computer science. In fact, I spent much of my younger years convinced I “wasn’t good at maths”. I loved English and the power of language. My career included recruitment advertising, bid management and even working abroad as a holiday entertainer.
At first glance, none of those experiences appear to have much to do with technology.
Yet every one of them taught me skills I rely on today: how to communicate, build relationships, adapt quickly, solve problems and ask, “Is there a better way?”
Today, as Head of Operations at Avella, I work with our clients to strengthen their cyber resilience and prepare for future challenges. While the technology itself can be highly complex, most people aren’t looking for technical jargon. They want someone who can explain what is changing, why it matters and what action they should take.
Don’t let jargon put you off
One of the biggest barriers to technology is the way we talk about it.
Over the years, we’ve created a language full of acronyms, technical terms and industry shorthand that can make people feel excluded before they’ve even started.
Imagine telling a young girl that a career in technology means learning cryptography, mastering programming languages and getting top grades in STEM subjects. It’s easy to see why some might decide it’s not for them.
Now imagine telling her that technology is about solving problems, helping people, creating new ideas and making a difference. The second version is much closer to reality.
Of course, technical skills matter, and they can be learned. What matters just as much are communication, collaboration, creativity and empathy. As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, these human skills are becoming increasingly important.
Confidence before coding
For years, the conversation around girls in technology has focused heavily on coding. Coding is a valuable skill, but confidence and life skills should come first.
Confidence is built through experiences. It comes from trying new things, taking on challenges, leading projects, joining clubs, playing sport, performing on stage or speaking up when you have an idea.
Technology needs people who are confident enough to ask questions, challenge assumptions and look at problems from different angles.
My advice to any girl considering a career in tech is simple:
- Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to try something new.
- Don’t assume everyone else knows more than you.
- Ask questions, even if they feel obvious.
- Explore different areas of technology before deciding what interests you.
- Remember that every skill you develop, whether it’s leadership, communication or creativity, can be valuable in a technology career.
The people who succeed in technology are rarely the people who know everything. They’re often the people who stay curious and keep learning.
The future is hybrid
One of the most exciting changes we’re seeing is the rise of hybrid careers.
The next generation won’t fit neatly into one professional category. We already see marketers using AI, teachers embracing digital tools, healthcare professionals using advanced technologies and designers working alongside emerging technologies.
Technology is becoming a layer that sits across almost every profession.
That’s why diverse experiences matter. Someone who loves literature may become brilliant at explaining complex technical concepts. Someone interested in psychology may help create better user experiences. Someone passionate about art may shape the future of digital design.
The future belongs to people who can combine different skills, perspectives and interests.
Changing the narrative
If we are serious about encouraging more girls into technology, we need to stop treating it as a world apart. There is no single pathway into this industry, and there never should be.
Technology belongs in classrooms, sports halls, theatres, community groups and creative spaces just as much as it belongs in laboratories and coding clubs.
My hope for the next generation, including my own daughter, is that they grow up seeing technology for what it truly is: not an exclusive profession reserved for a select few, but an enabler of opportunity, creativity and problem-solving.
