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As part of National Careers Week and International Women’s Day, we spoke with Bethany, a Front-End Developer at Ideagen, about her journey into the tech industry, the challenges she has faced, and her advice for aspiring women in technology.

Bethany’s path into coding was far from traditional. Initially working in Learning and Development, she saw firsthand how technology could transform businesses and improve people’s lives. Despite having no formal background in computing, her curiosity led her to explore tech as a career option.

“I never did anything in tech at school—computing and ICT weren’t on my radar. It was a completely new discovery when I started considering different career paths. University didn’t feel like the right choice for me, so I applied for a degree apprenticeship with Ideagen.”

Starting her career journey during lockdown added an extra layer of challenge. Her first day at Ideagen coincided with her first day at university, both of which took place remotely. However, this unique experience allowed her to explore different areas within the technology department and solidify her passion for front-end development.

Making an Impact Through Code

One of Bethany’s proudest achievements so far has been developing a coded component library as part of her degree. This library includes buttons, input fields, and other user interface (UI) elements, all styled in Ideagen’s branding.

“Knowing that future products will use my components and contribute to a consistent user experience across our platforms is incredibly rewarding. Even as an apprentice, I was able to make a lasting impact.”

Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Tech

Entering a male-dominated industry presented challenges, especially during university, where Bethany found herself as the only female in her software engineering course.

“It was tough at first. When you don’t see people who look like you, you start questioning whether you belong. But I learned to see my differences as a strength. Being more emotionally aware has helped me understand users’ needs and bring a fresh perspective to development.”

Her advice to women considering a career in tech?

“Don’t be put off by stereotypes. When you actually meet people in the industry, you realise those stereotypes aren’t accurate. There are so many people like you in tech—you just have to reach out and connect.”

The Skills That Matter in Tech

When asked about the most important skills for a successful career in software development, Bethany emphasised:

Attention to detail – “Noticing the little things makes a big difference, especially in front-end development where precision is key.”

Resilience – “You’re not going to get it right the first time. Technology is constantly evolving, so you have to adapt and be comfortable with failure.”

Continuous learning – “YouTube is a great resource in my free time, and Ideagen has an excellent learning hub with courses to keep us updated.”

Shaping the Future of Tech

Bethany has witnessed positive changes in gender diversity within the industry.

“When I first applied, there weren’t many women in tech roles. But now, I’m seeing more and more female developers, especially from Ideagen’s global teams in Malaysia and India. It’s encouraging to see that shift.”

She also highlights the importance of mentorship and networking: “Seeing other women in leadership roles has been incredibly motivating. At Ideagen, we have a ‘Women at Ideagen’ network, which offers advice, webinars, and a support system for women in tech. Knowing others have faced similar challenges and overcome them reaffirms my belief that I belong here.”

Looking Ahead

The future of technology excites Bethany, particularly AI’s potential to improve safety and enhance lives. “AI is the obvious one, but what excites me most is how it can genuinely help people and make a positive impact on the world.”

For young girls interested in coding, Bethany’s advice is: “Just give it a go.”

“Start as a hobby—there are so many free resources online. You don’t have to make one career choice and stick to it forever. It’s okay to change paths, try new things, and take every opportunity that comes your way.”