Written by: on May 8, 2026
Welcome back to part 2 of our series sharing insights from women in tech about what it’s like to work in the sector.
We asked a group of inspirational women in tech at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence what’s so great about a career in digital. As a way to showcase the industry to more young people.
In part 2, we ask the BIG question- ‘What’s your advice to young women who want to break into the digital industry?‘
Here’s what these amazing women in tech said:
Something I wish I could tell my younger self is that you don’t need to do a STEM degree to build a career in digital. Take it from me – a history and philosophy graduate – that whatever path you’ve taken so far is an advantage in the digital world.
Your unique experiences will help you bring diversity of thought, fresh insights, and an edge that our industry genuinely needs.
Jess
2. Lauren
My advice would be to stay curious and trust that you deserve a place in this space. You don’t need to know everything from day 1 — enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn go a long way. Look for opportunities that stretch you, keep asking questions, and don’t underestimate the value of your own perspective.
Communities like InnovateHer are a great way to build confidence, share experiences, and find support along the way.
3. Mia
My advice would be to find the people who will tell you to back yourself and speak out, especially when you’re the only woman in the room. Yes, tech is full of men, but it’s also full of women who know what it’s like to be the minority and so would love to help support you reach your potential. Making the most of those relationships and helping to uplift other women and be uplifted in turn is how we all reach our goals.
4. Gwyneth
My biggest advice is simple: start, even if you do not feel ready. Tech can feel overwhelming, especially if you do not see people who look like you, but there is space for you. Apply for the role, ask the question, and take opportunities before you feel fully prepared.
Find mentors, stay curious, and keep going even when it feels difficult. There is no single path into tech, and your perspective is valuable. The industry needs more diverse voices to build better, more inclusive solutions.
My biggest advice is simple: start, even if you do not feel ready
Gwyneth
5. Jo
Skills are easy for employers to acquire. The right behaviours and attitude are much harder to find, and it’s those that make you a success. Be yourself, be committed, be curious, bring positive energy, and trust yourself to learn the rest.
6. Emma
Don’t worry that you’re not ready; this industry changes so quickly that no one is ever a permanent expert. Be curious and keep learning about new technologies.
There is never a perfect time, and being new to Digital is your superpower – it is outside views that this industry needs to keep innovating.
Emma
7. Lorna
Communicate the work you are doing, share ideas, and learn from experience. I also find it useful to think about customers in different layers – the direct customers you work for might include executives who will want management information, or operational users who will need to see immediate benefit to their frontline staff. Then, for the end users, it’s important to think about how to enact measurable improvements.
8. Jessica
Don’t fear taking opportunities that come your way. If you are picked for something “because you are the only woman”, as long as it advances you, use it to your advantage – the same applies for applications to women-only scholarships or internships. If a role stretches you out of your comfort zone, that is good; that’s where you’ll grow the most, even if it’s uncomfortable at the time.
Likewise, if something isn’t contributing to your goals, cut it away. If being the woman taking notes gets you into a senior room you otherwise wouldn’t be in, use it. If you are taking and writing up the team’s notes because you are the woman, stop.
9. Gi-gi
Firstly, good choice! It’s a very interesting and important industry to be a part of. Working in a digital or cyber career means defining and shaping what digital spaces should look like in the future, and it’s so important that we have diverse teams with diverse perspectives and skillsets shaping that future.
Digital and cyber careers need passionate and talented people with all sorts of skills, not just computer scientists and programmers, but also researchers, engineers, data analysts, geopolitics experts, policy makers, teachers, team leaders, client managers, project managers, recruiters, communications and marketing experts, and more.
So my advice would be to think about what drives you and interests you, get up to speed with the latest technology news and cyber security news, take advantage of free online resources, training courses, and local events, to build your understanding and expertise and help you apply for jobs in digital career paths.
10. Hannah
Learn how you learn. It is much more important to be able to pick up new technology and ideas quickly than it is to know one or two specific languages inside out. Find your people – find someone you can bounce things off of and talk things through with – someone you can call when you experience Imposter Syndrome so they can talk you through it. Be brave – unfortunately, there may still be cases where you are the only woman in the room, but don’t let this put you off!
Your voice is important, and you deserve to be heard.
Hannah
We hope that you enjoyed this miniseries sharing insights from women in tech about their careers and their insights. STEM careers are for everyone, and we hope you feel inspired and empowered after reading.
Read part 1 here!
Thank you to the amazing female role models at BAE Systems for sharing their thoughts!