As college students, you're standing on the brink of a world that's increasingly driven by technology. Whether you're studying healthcare, education, finance, or even the arts, technology is transforming every field, offering new opportunities, and reshaping traditional roles.
For women, especially, gaining a foothold in tech-related fields can open doors that were once difficult to access. This blog post will explore how technology is reshaping various industries and why it's crucial for you, as future leaders, to embrace and understand these changes.
Technology's Role in “Non-Tech” Fields
Even fields traditionally considered non-tech are being reshaped by technology. Arts, humanities, and social sciences are leveraging digital tools for research, collaboration, and creative expression.
Women (or anyone entering these fields) will be expected to use technology, learn new digital skills, and use the tools established with the role. The tricky part is, each business has a different suite of digital and technology tools, and no matter where you go, there may be a slight learning curve. That’s why it’s so important to have a decent foundation of tech skills to pull from, so it will be much easier to adapt to new software.
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Why Tech Education Matters for Women Specifically
Historically, women have been underrepresented in technology fields, but this is changing- slowly. Right now, women seem to make up about 28% of the tech industry itself. This is a very slight increase from years prior. But women of color are still very underrepresented in tech, making up only about 5%.
And did you know women are 22% more likely to report developing imposter syndrome in a tech-heavy role?
We also learned recently that businesses owned by women struggle with acquiring funding more so than those owned by men. 49% of women business owners report financial support as their main need, whereas men don’t report as many difficulties in getting startup capital.
Technology has become one with the business world, making it essential for professionals to stay updated with the latest tools and trends. If you’re in business of ANY kind, you are most likely, in some capacity, “in tech.”
For women, especially, gaining expertise in these areas can pave the way for leadership roles and entrepreneurial success in business.
Examples of Technology in Common “Non-Tech” Fields
Arts
- Digital Illustration Tools: Programs like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) help artists create digital artwork.
- Virtual Reality (VR): Used for immersive art experiences, allowing viewers to interact with art in a 3D space.
Humanities
- Online Databases: Platforms like JSTOR provide access to a wide range of historical documents and research papers.
- Digital Archives: Resources like the Digital Public Library of America offer access to digitized historical documents and artifacts.
Social Sciences
- Data Analytics: Tools like SPSS and R help with statistical analysis in sociological research.
- Online Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack and Zoom enable virtual teamwork and meetings.
Music
- Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Software like Ableton Live and Logic Pro allows musicians to compose, record, and produce music digitally.
Theater
- Lighting and Sound Design Software: Programs like QLab and Lightwright help in designing and controlling lighting and sound for live performances.
- Virtual Set Design: Tools like SketchUp allow set designers to create and visualize stage designs in a virtual environment.
Understanding and using these technologies can help students in “non-tech” fields enhance their skills, improve their work, and stay competitive in the job market. By integrating tech into their studies, students can open new opportunities and prepare for a tech-driven world – like our modern one.
Here are some more in-depth examples of tech in several common undergrad majors:
Business: Revolutionizing Operations and Opportunities
Every single year (and perhaps even more often), new and evolving tech changes the way the business world operates, creating new opportunities and reshaping traditional or outdated operations:
Digital Marketing and E-commerce
Examples:
- Social Media Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn): Used for targeted advertising and customer engagement.
- E-commerce Platforms (Shopify, WooCommerce): Facilitate online sales and inventory management.
- Email Marketing Tools (Mailchimp, Constant Contact): Automate and personalize marketing campaigns.
Importance: Business professionals need to leverage digital marketing and e-commerce tools to reach broader audiences, enhance customer experience, and drive sales growth.
Data Analytics and AI
Examples:
- Google Analytics: Tracks website traffic and user behavior.
- Salesforce Einstein Analytics: Provides insights for sales, service, and marketing teams.
- ChatGPT: Uses AI to analyze large datasets and generate actionable insights (among many, many other things)
Importance: Understanding data analytics and AI allows businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and predict market trends, giving them a competitive edge.
Collaboration and Remote Work Tools
Examples:
- Slack and Microsoft Teams: Facilitate team communication and collaboration.
- Asana and Trello: Project management tools that help teams stay organized and track progress.
- Zoom and Webex: Enable virtual meetings and webinars.
Importance: These tools are essential for modern business operations, especially with the rise of remote work. They ensure efficient communication, project management, and collaboration across teams.
Financial Technology (Fintech)
Examples:
- Square and PayPal: Simplify payment processing for businesses of all sizes.
- QuickBooks and Xero: Provide accounting solutions for managing finances.
- Robo-Advisors (Betterment, Wealthfront): Offer automated investment advice and portfolio management.
Importance: Familiarity with fintech solutions helps businesses manage their finances efficiently, streamline transactions, and offer the best financial services to customers.
Healthcare: Transforming Patient Care and Research
Technology is revolutionizing healthcare, making it an exciting field for students interested in both tech and medicine. Here’s how various healthcare professionals are using cutting-edge technology:
Nurses
- Wearable Devices: Nurses use wearable devices to continuously monitor patient vitals, allowing for real-time health tracking and early intervention.
- Mobile Health Apps: These apps enable nurses to track patient health, schedule appointments, and provide remote care, enhancing overall patient management.
Doctors
- Telemedicine: Physicians conduct remote consultations, improving access to care for patients in remote or underserved areas.
- AI and Machine Learning: AI algorithms help doctors diagnose diseases more accurately and quickly by analyzing medical images and patient data.
- Advanced Imaging Technologies: MRI and CT scans provide detailed diagnostics, while AI-enhanced imaging improves the accuracy of detecting conditions.
Healthcare Technicians
- Automated Lab Systems: Lab technicians use automated systems to process tests efficiently and accurately, reducing human error and speeding up diagnosis.
- PACS: Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) store and share diagnostic images, facilitating collaboration among healthcare providers.
Physical Therapists (PTs)
- Motion Capture Systems: PTs use motion capture technology to analyze patient movements and design personalized rehabilitation programs.
- VR and AR Tools: Virtual and augmented reality tools create immersive therapy environments, making rehabilitation more engaging and effective.
- Tele-rehabilitation Platforms: These platforms allow PTs to guide patients through exercises remotely, providing continuous care regardless of location.
Dentists
- Digital Radiography: Dentists use digital X-rays for detailed imaging with lower radiation exposure.
- CAD/CAM Systems: Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing systems allow for the precise design and fabrication of dental restorations like crowns and bridges.
- 3D Printing: Intraoral scanners and 3D printers streamline the creation of dental models, improving the efficiency and accuracy of dental care.
New health tech to be aware of
- Robotics: Surgical robots assist in complex procedures with high precision, reducing recovery times and improving patient outcomes.
- AI in Drug Discovery: Machine learning algorithms accelerate drug discovery and development, identifying potential treatments faster than traditional methods.
- Genomic Medicine: Advances in genomic sequencing allow for personalized medicine, tailoring treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup.
- Wearable Health Tech: Smartwatches and other wearable devices monitor health metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and physical activity, providing valuable data for preventative care.
From AI-driven diagnostics to immersive VR therapy, technology is transforming healthcare in exciting ways. For students interested in tech and medicine, these advancements offer a glimpse into the future of patient care and medical research. Embracing these technologies not only enhances healthcare delivery but also opens new opportunities for innovation and career growth.
Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences
Technology is making education more interactive and accessible, totally changing the way students learn and teachers teach. Here’s how various technologies are enhancing learning experiences:
Online Learning Platforms and Apps
- Coursera and edX: Provide access to courses from universities around the world, offering a wide range of subjects.
- Khan Academy: Offers interactive exercises and videos across many subjects.
- Duolingo: A language learning app with gamified lessons.
Examples:
- Zoom and Microsoft Teams: Facilitate live virtual classes and meetings.
- Google Classroom: Manages assignments, facilitates collaboration, and tracks student progress.
- Moodle: An open-source learning platform for creating personalized learning environments.
Real-World Applications
Examples:
- STEM Learning Tools: Tools like LEGO Mindstorms and Tinkercad help teach coding and engineering concepts.
- Interactive Whiteboards: Smartboards allow for dynamic and interactive teaching methods.
- VR and AR in Education: Virtual and augmented reality tools are transforming how students engage with the material.
- Language Learning: Applications like ImmerseMe immerse students in realistic situations to practice languages, providing an interactive and engaging way to learn.
- Anatomy Classes: Life-sized VR human body models allow students to study each anatomical system up close, even removing bones and circulatory systems to examine them in detail.
- Architecture Classes: VR models enable students to walk around inside their designed spaces, providing a tangible understanding of spatial relationships and design concepts.
Importance: Teachers need to understand and effectively use these technologies to prepare students for the digital economy. This makes STEM fields more engaging and relevant to real-world applications, ensuring new graduates are well-prepared for careers in their major.
Educational technologies like online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and real-world applications are changing the way many teachers operate. Teachers must be knowledgeable about these tools to provide high-quality education, foster student engagement, and prepare students with the necessary skills for the future.
Cybersecurity
Examples:
- Norton and McAfee: Provide comprehensive protection against malware and cyber threats.
- Cloudflare: Offers security services to protect websites and online assets.
- LastPass: A password manager that enhances security for business accounts.
Importance: As businesses become more digital, understanding cybersecurity is critical to protect sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Agriculture: Boosting Productivity and Sustainability
Technology is even enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture, transforming resource management and crop growth. Precision farming tools like drones and soil sensors optimize resources and increase yields.
Automated machinery, such as autonomous tractors and robotic harvesters, improves efficiency and reduces labor costs. Biotechnology, including GMOs and CRISPR, enhances crop resilience and yields. Smart irrigation systems conserve water, while data analytics and farm management software streamline operations and decision-making. Cool, right?
According to the World Economic Forum in 2023, significant changes are coming to the job market due to automation and tech advances.
No surprise there, but the report also said that there will be a need for people, even those in non-technical roles, to develop skills that complement technology. And many functions that don’t seem technical are deeply rooted in data, so data analytics skills are crucial. Knowing how to use AI and other data tech tools will give you a significant leg up.
Why Women in All Fields Need Tech Skills
Not embracing technology can lead to missed opportunities. Industries are becoming increasingly tech-driven, and lacking digital skills might limit your career prospects. You could find yourself at a disadvantage in the job market, with fewer options for growth and advancement. In 2024, even “non-tech” jobs require tech proficiency. Here’s why tech skills are essential across all fields:
Increased Employability: Tech skills are in high demand across all industries, making you more attractive to employers.
Higher Earning Potential: Many tech-related roles offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Career Flexibility: Tech skills can be applied in various fields, providing more career options.
Creative Problem-Solving: Understanding technology allows you to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Future-Proofing Your Career: As technology evolves, having a strong tech foundation ensures you can adapt to new tools and trends, no matter what happens.
By pursuing tech-related studies and learning tech skills for any role, women can gain easier access to equal opportunities, achieve equitable pay, gain the education necessary for advancement, and access the financial resources needed to succeed. These skills help make sure that women have a seat at the table, wherever they’d like one.
If you’re reading this, we encourage you to take the Digital Survival Skills ebadge assessment! This program helps you build, develop, and feel confident in your tech skills, whether you’re a freshman who will be navigating IU’s systems, or a senior who will be applying for jobs soon. Your future applications and LinkedIn will thank you!
Want to get more involved with our center through a program, event, or even an internship? Start here.