A new survey conducted by Handshake, a career community for college students, found that women are applying for software engineering and developer positions in greater numbers.
The job platform analyzed data from more than 100,000 women who applied for a job on the Handshake between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2019. In comparison to last year, 72 percent more women applied for roles as software developers and engineers, 85 percent more women applied for roles as data scientists, while data engineering saw a 227 percent jump.
Nearly 35 percent of women with software engineering and developer roles reported graduating with non-STEM subjects, while over half of all women applicants who applied for software positions mentioned Java, Python, SQL, and Data Analysis as their technical expertise on resume.
“By no means have the challenges facing women entering the tech workforce disappeared, but this survey’s results suggest an encouraging trend with women remaining undeterred and persevering despite the obstacles,” said Christine Cruzvergara, Vice President of Higher Education and Student Success at Handshake.
The survey also found that women were mostly drawn to companies that have a supportive culture and inspiring leadership. Silicon Valley-based multinational technology conglomerate Cisco is the most favorite spot for women applicants followed by Wayfair, Microsoft and Oracle, Dropbox and Adobe Systems.
“The results serve as further inspiration for us as we work in conjunction with our university and employer partners to help connect women with opportunities that will make impactful change in their lives and in society at large,” Cruzvergara added.
On the contrary, a recent survey conducted by Cengage Student Opportunity Index found that one in every five women reported a lack of confidence in getting a job that meets their salary expectations.
It also noted a huge pay gap between the income earned by women – especially minorities – to every dollar earned by white, non-Latino men. In comparison to 80 cents, earned by white women, African American women earn 63 cents, Native Americans earn 57 cents, while Latina women earn 54 cents.