In recent years, there has a big push in encouraging more young people – women especially – to take up STEM subjects or get into tech. Yet, there is more than one avenue to joining the industry, as Momena Ibrahim, Product Owner at West Midlands-based tech scale-up Wise, came to find out.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with Political Science, Momena initially considered a role in banking, but quickly decided it wasn’t quite what she was looking for. “I wasn’t set on a particular sector at that point, but I knew I wanted to work in a fast-paced environment that had opportunities for development without compromising on the workplace culture or environment.”
After spending four years at a tech-focused agency as a project manager – her first foray into the industry – she took the plunge and joined local start-up Wise, the company behind an app designed to support self-employed delivery drivers. “When the opportunity to join an exciting tech company, at the start of its growth phase, came up I took it. I wanted to be a part of the journey when it came to shaping the product. I also liked the idea of being part of an ever-changing, growing industry, and there was something exciting about the culture and atmosphere there.”
Her role, ‘Product Owner’, was a completely new one, and the business was still less than a year old, providing her with the perfect blank canvas to help define the offering and shape the launch strategy. Due to the nature of the product and company, she says, she had some initial reservations around the technical elements surrounding her role – but these concerns were quickly alleviated. “I realised you don’t need to know every single technical detail to work in the tech industry – so I pushed myself to learn more on the job instead, and focused on the transferrable skills I already had.”
The perceived complexity of jobs in the tech industry, especially when it comes to the technical side of things, she says, can be a barrier when it comes to getting more women to join. “More often than not, it’s technical roles that are being highlighted when encouraging women into tech – meaning many people may feel like they do not have the right tools or expertise to join, especially if they’ve not completed a STEM-related degree or course. There’s no denying that there is a need for software developers or technical managers, but this doesn’t mean we should overlook other roles which are less ‘hands-on’. When I say I work in tech, most tend to assume I’m in a coding role – and that is one of the myths about the industry that we must dispel.”
During Birmingham Tech Week, Momena was able to share her experience as part of Wise’s Women in Tech Panel, during which she also answered questions from businesses, individuals and women looking to join the industry. The key, she told them, is to focus on transferrable skills.
“Tech companies or start-ups are, by nature, businesses. Sure, coding will likely be at the heart of what they do, but there’s always going to be a need for sales-minded people, for management experts or for creative minds, because this is something every single business needs. I believe there are tons of transferrable skills that people, and women especially, can carry from other industries. For example, everything I’d previously learnt when it comes to project management, teamwork and communication turned out to be absolutely vital to my job as a Product Owner.”
According to Momena, a bigger focus on transferrable skills also means more women may feel empowered to join the industry – which all businesses could benefit from. “It’s about getting away from the echo chamber by diversifying the profiles of those sat at the table. By recruiting outside of the industry and highlighting the possibilities around transferrable skills, we can bring in people from different backgrounds, who will have different, unique perspectives. These are all things that ultimately can contribute to a better end product.”
Holly Davis, Talent Manager at Wise, also echoed Momena’s views: “When recruiting new individuals into the industry, I’m always interested in learning more about them as a person. Having the right technical skills, in some cases, is a must, but it’s also important for me to make sure they’re a good fit. Are they a good team player? How will they react if there’s conflict? Can they handle multiple deadlines? These are all skills anyone can learn in any sector – not just in the tech industry.
“I’d like to encourage all women considering applying for a job in the tech industry to take the plunge. Everyone has something to offer – and the rest, they can learn on the job.”
Uma Rajagopal has been managing the posting of content for multiple platforms since 2021, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune. Her role ensures that content is published accurately and efficiently across these diverse publications.