Cassie Petrie has been with SAP Concur for 10 years in both customer facing roles and management.
Diversity and inclusion is now more important than ever – it remains a priority for many businesses, with new roles and KPIs driving more opportunities for women in leadership and technical positions.
Yet, despite these advances, women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, particularly in technical and senior roles. Many continue to face bias and systemic challenges, making it crucial to build a strong support system, especially when stepping into a male-dominated workplace.
Having entered tech straight from university, transitioning from a background in marketing and retail, I experienced firsthand how vital this support can be. Hard work, continuous learning, and leveraging soft skills like communication and problem-solving have all played a part in helping me build a fulfilling career.
The value of networking, mentorship and sponsorship
Mentorship is invaluable, offering trust, guidance, and advocacy. For women in tech, mentors are especially important in navigating challenges like underrepresentation and bias. My own journey has been shaped by colleagues and mentors who not only shared their knowledge, but also provided the encouragement I needed to take on new challenges.
Good mentors ask insightful questions, build confidence, and advocate for their mentees, which can be crucial for career advancement. They help you see opportunities where you might otherwise hesitate, and their feedback can help you grow. I’ve learned a great deal from others with similar experiences, and I now strive to offer the same support to those at earlier stages of their career. My advice: seek feedback, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself when opportunities arise.
As well as mentorship, building strong connections with those in senior positions is indispensable for those in minority groups within the workplace. Having the backing of others can result in positive career progression in the form of promotions or helping you secure opportunities for professional development. You can think of allies as your sponsor, or workplace champion, who will be your voice and actively advocate on your behalf when you’re not in the room. This is also where good networking can be a significant benefit as building those connections, unlike formal mentorships, are not guaranteed and can be a difficult relationship to engineer. So honing in on your people skills can help immensely!
Fostering diverse pipelines
Building and maintaining a diverse talent pipeline requires intention and action. Business leaders should engage with potential candidates proactively – not only when a role opens up. Writing inclusive job descriptions that focus on skills rather than traditional qualifications is a powerful way to attract a broader pool of applicants.
Partnering with diverse networks and creating spaces where underrepresented talent can thrive is key. This means fostering a supportive workplace culture that values diversity at every level, offers mentorship, and creates clear pathways for career growth. When people see that diversity is more than a buzzword, they’re far more likely to feel they belong and can succeed.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and for some of us, we may have to try different tactics to get our foot in the door. Some of those tactics include engaging with networks and communities for women in tech, such as the Business Women’s Network or grassroots groups focused on inclusion in the industry. Attending both virtual and in-person events can also open doors and build confidence.
Most importantly, seek out mentors, embrace feedback, and be ready to advocate for yourself. The women around you are amazing- and so are you. When facing a challenge, think of someone you admire: how would they approach the situation? Use that as inspiration to move forward.
Finally, I urge hiring managers and business leaders to play their part. Build diverse pipelines, foster inclusive cultures, and ensure that underrepresented talent isn’t just welcomed, but empowered to thrive. The future of tech depends on it.
