When Jo-Anne Ruhl completed her doctorate in law, she never imagined herself entering the tech industry. Now she’s the Asia Pacific managing director of Infor, a software company based in the US.
“In all honesty, I was a bit bored. I had studied law and business but wasn’t particularly inspired. During my studies I had worked at a software company part time, which I loved, so I decided to just approach them and ask them for a job,” Ruhl told Women’s Agenda.
“I said to them, here’s what I can offer your company, will you take me on?”
“Before I knew it, I was doing something I’d never done before just because I had the courage to ask.”
Ruhl said transitioning from law to IT was intimidating – particularly because the tech industry is so heavily male-dominated – but she has never questioned her decision.
She now works for a global software company that is determined to break down gender barriers within the industry. At Infor, 33% of the workforce is female and 32% of senior leadership positions are held by women. This goes right to the top of the organisation – Infor’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and executive vice-president are all women.
Ruhl said it can be particularly difficult for women to change careers when they are moving into heavily male-dominated sectors, but she said it is important to overcome these barriers and take the leap anyway.
Are you a woman in tech? Or anotherindustry dominated by men? Ruhl has some tips for you.
1. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges
“Don’t get stuck in the mindset that tells you, ‘I’ve studying this particular thing so I have to stay in this industry forever’. Find yourself a different opportunity, and then find the courage to take it!” Ruhl said.
Ruhl said women are often held back by a perception that they should only apply for jobs if they meet every single criterion. She said it is incredibly important to learn to apply for jobs that you think you have no chance of getting.
“Seek out challenges, even the ones you are completely under qualified for. That’s how to push yourself and learn new skills. If you keep waiting until you have every single qualification or skill on the list, you’ll be waiting forever for the job you really want.”
Ruhl said that now, as an employer in the tech industry herself, she would love it if a young woman came into her office and said “I’m not qualified but I’m passionate and hard working and I want to work for you”.
2. Treat job interviews the same way employers do
Ruhl said one of the most important things to remember when moving into a new industry, especially a male-dominated one, is to make sure you choose an organisation that is right for you. This means that when you go to job interviews, remember that you are evaluating your employer as much as they are evaluating you.
“You need to find a company that will not discriminate based on gender and that will judge you on your merit,” she said.
“This means treating job interviews as if you are the interviewer as well as the interviewee. Assess the company and ask lots of questions – ask your interviewer directly if the company supports and promotes women.”
“After a job interview, your interviewer will check your references. You need to do the same! Go on Linkedin and contact some current employees of the organisation, and ask them questions about the company’s culture and about their experiences. Find out if your interviewer was answering your questions truthfully.”
3. Learn to negotiate
Ruhl said it is often difficult for women in male-dominated sectors to be forthright when negotiating flexibility, pay and other elements of working life. But it is imperative to be confident and assertive, Ruhl says – especially if you are new to the industry.
“As women, we often stand back when it comes to negotiation. I myself am often guilty of this,” she said.
“We are terrified of pushing too hard, but we all know that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Women are afraid of being aggressive but negotiation is really just about knowing your value.”
“Also, it’s important to remember that the world will not end either way – the worst that can happen is your employer says no!”
4. Find a mentor
Ruhl says finding a woman mentor isparticularly important in male-dominated sectors – but emphasises that male mentors can be very helpful also.
“Find women in leadership positions that can help and support you,” she told Women’s Agenda.
“There are so many challenges that are unique to being a woman and it is important to find a mentor who understands them. But male mentors can be very important too – I’ve had loads of amazing male mentors throughout my career,” she said.
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