Many women in tech reach a crossroads just over a decade into their careers, with many leaving by the age of 35 to pursue something different. But what about the women who love tech—who want to stay, grow, and break into the c-suite? What’s next?
According to the 2024 AnitaB.org Technical Equity Experience Study, 67% of mid-career women in tech aspire to senior or executive roles. However, ambition alone isn’t enough; without the right strategies, it’s easy to plateau or be overlooked for leadership opportunities.
The key to advancing isn’t just working harder; it’s about working smarter. It’s about asking yourself the right questions to ensure you’re not just coasting but actively building the skills, relationships, and visibility needed to move forward.
The Importance of Proactive Tech Career Development
When you’re in tech, staying still means falling behind. Because of the industry’s rapidly evolving nature, what got you here won’t necessarily get you to the next level.
Many mid-career professionals find themselves maintaining their careers and sticking to what they know instead of actively growing them. Career growth means continuously learning, seeking leadership opportunities, and positioning yourself for advancement.
For women in tech, systemic barriers make proactive career management even more critical. Mentorship, self-advocacy, and strategic skill-building can set you apart and help you break into leadership.
10 Key Questions to Guide Your Career Advancement
Reaching the next level in your career is about both experience and strategy. Asking yourself the right questions can help you stay proactive, build leadership skills, and position yourself for opportunities. Here are 10 questions to get you started.
- Am I continuously learning and upskilling?
- Do I have mentors or sponsors advocating for me?
- What leadership skills am I actively developing?
- How am I making an impact beyond my individual contributions?
- Do I have a clear roadmap for my next career move?
- Am I positioning myself for visibility and recognition?
- Have I advocated for the compensation and title I deserve?
- Do I work in an environment that supports my growth?
- How am I building relationships with other leaders?
- What legacy do I want to leave in tech?
Whether it’s earning a new certification, mastering emerging technologies, or taking leadership training, ongoing learning keeps you competitive and future ready.
Mentorship is crucial—78% of senior women in tech have participated in mentorship programs—but sponsorship is the real game-changer. With only 20% of women in tech careers reporting access to a sponsor, finding advocates who will actively push for your advancement is key.
Technical expertise will get you far, but leadership requires a different toolkit: strategic thinking, team management, and the ability to influence decisions at a higher level. What skills are you building beyond your technical role?
Leadership may seem like it’s about climbing the ladder, but it’s about lifting others as you rise. Many senior women cite “having a positive impact on others” as their top motivation. Are you mentoring or driving change in your organization?
If you want to move into a Director, VP, or Chief role, do you have a strategic plan to get there? Identify the skills, experiences, and connections needed to make that jump. Check out the AnitaB.org Senior Role Readiness PDF for guidance.
Hard work is great but visibility matters. Speaking engagements, industry panels, publishing thought leadership, and internal leadership roles can elevate your profile and open doors to senior positions.
Women in tech continue to face pay and promotion disparities. Have you researched industry benchmarks, prepared your case, and confidently negotiated for your worth? If not, now is the time.
A toxic or stagnant workplace can hold you back. Pay attention to workplace culture red flags, and don’t be afraid to seek out companies that actively support women in leadership and push you to the next level of careers in tech.
Networking isn’t just about job hunting—it’s about surrounding yourself with people who can challenge and support you. Are you connecting with senior leaders, joining executive peer groups, or fostering relationships that can open doors?
Beyond promotions and pay raises, what impact do you want to make? Aligning your career with a purpose—whether it’s ethical tech, inclusive hiring, or mentoring the next generation—ensures your success is meaningful and lasting.
By reflecting on these questions and taking intentional steps, you can break out of stagnation and accelerate your path to leadership.
Turning Reflection into Execution: Your Career in Tech
Reflection is valuable, but action drives progress. Here’s how to take the next step:
- Join mentorship and sponsorship programs. Find mentors for guidance and sponsors who will advocate for your growth.
- Build your professional brand. Speak at events, publish insights, and engage on LinkedIn to increase visibility.
- Invest in leadership training. Strengthen your influence, strategy, and executive presence through coaching and courses.
With intentional action, you can accelerate your career in tech and help shape the future of the industry.
We’re All in This Together
Breaking into leadership is about paving the way for more women in tech careers to rise. By asking the right questions, taking action, and supporting one another, we can build a future where women lead at every level. Let’s keep pushing forward, advocating for ourselves, and lifting others as we climb. You’re not alone in this journey, we’ve got this.
Support women in tech careers by donating to AnitaB.org! Your contribution helps create programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources that empower the next generation of women leaders in tech careers.
Aguilar, Y. & Swan, A.. (2025). (rep.). 2024 Technical Equity Experience Survey. AnitaB.org.
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