This post is also available in: 日本語 (Japanese)
This post has been adapted from “My Career in Cybersecurity: Finding My Way As a Woman” by Manija Poulatova, a New York-based lead channel sales engineer with Palo Alto Networks.
Breaking into the technology industry was not easy for someone who grew up in Tajikistan, a country where women had very well-defined roles. We were expected to be good wives, mothers and daughters. We were expected to mind the house, keep it clean and cook for our families. There was no expectation or support for a woman to have a career and achieve financial independence.
When I chose to pursue my bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, I didn’t realize what a challenge it would be. There were 7-10 women among 300 students in my class. I recall my professors telling me that I should change my major as computer engineering was not a profession for women, reflecting the attitudes of a traditional patriarchal society. As I approached my graduation, the majority of my female classmates dropped out of the program. Everyone around me would ask, “What’s wrong with you? You should’ve been a boy.” If anything, this attitude further drove me to finish my degree in engineering.
My determination to break barriers and my study of technology molded me into being rational and logical. Yet, even so, entering the workforce presented obstacles I did not expect, including the fear of being inadequate. I felt, at times, that when I did sit for interviews, I wasn’t what the recruiter expected. I didn’t fit the mold. There were other times when I felt trepidation in simply applying for jobs, fear that I wasn’t qualified if I didn’t meet every criteria listed on a job posting. I read an article later on in my life that I wasn’t alone in this feeling. It’s a fairly common fear in women.
Despite all of my fears, as someone who has always loved math and computers, technology was my connection, my outlet and my path to a better life. Learning about it built my confidence, my sense of self-identity and my independence. This is something that I always keep with me and regularly acknowledge to myself. Breaking into the technology industry took patience and perseverance when facing my fears. For any woman feeling intimidated or questioning a career in tech, here is some advice:
The tech industry has changed a lot over the last few years. New regional meetups focused on mentorship of women have sprung up. Technology companies in Silicon Valley and across the nation have started to review their policies and begun training their employees on removing some of the bias against women engineers. Organizations like Palo Alto Networks have led the charge with their Girl Scouts Cybersecurity badges, internal promotion methodology, and support of industry sessions like Women of the Channel and Women in Security. Individuals like Isis Anchalee helped start the #ilooklikeanengineer movement after experiencing the same challenges I’ve faced. Much has changed. But there’s still work to be done.
We still have many miles to go, but the path has been laid in front of us due to all the hard work from so many women, so far; and it’s, in part, a matter of believing we can and continue to effect the change we want. Today, I believe in myself, and I have people who believe in me. I have colleagues who make me better and challenge me. I’m a mother who wants a different path for my daughter. I want my daughter to be brave. I want her to be who she wants to be. I want the same for her that I want for every woman in technology: an opportunity.
For more perspectives on diversity in the technology industry, check out the Diversity Unscripted blog from Palo Alto Networks.
By submitting this form, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Statement. Please look for a confirmation email from us. If you don't receive it in the next 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.