Happy Mother’s Day to you from all of us at RW2 Career and Technical Education (RW2)!
For many of us, motherhood is a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of difficult decisions and compromises. One of the most empowering choices a mom can make is to pursue her own tech skills and a related career. By entering the tech field, mothers are defying stereotypes, paving the way for future generations, and redefining what it means to be successful. In this blog post, we will explore the power of being a mom in tech and the incredible opportunities that come with it.
The Stereotype of Mothers in Tech
There’s a common stereotype that women who are mothers cannot succeed in the tech industry. The idea is that they’re too distracted by their children to focus on their work or that they won’t be able to keep up with the fast-paced, constantly-evolving nature of the industry. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
In reality, being a mother can actually give women an edge in tech. Mothers are natural multitaskers, and their ability to manage competing demands can make them excellent project managers or team leaders. Additionally, many mothers have developed skills such as patience, problem-solving, and communication through parenting that can be highly valuable in the tech world.
Unfortunately, the stereotype of mothers in tech has persisted for far too long. This has led to a lack of representation in the industry, and it’s made it more challenging for mothers to enter or succeed in tech roles. But times are changing, and there are more and more examples of mothers thriving in tech careers. It’s time to break down these outdated stereotypes and embrace the unique strengths that mothers can bring to the tech industry.
Pursuing Tech Skills as a Mother
One of the biggest misconceptions about motherhood is that it is incompatible with pursuing a tech career. The truth is, more and more moms are taking on tech skills and pursuing careers in this industry.
But let’s be real: juggling motherhood with work and education is no easy feat. Pursuing tech skills requires a lot of dedication, time, and effort, which can be challenging when you’re also raising a family.
However, with the right mindset and approach, it is definitely possible. There are many online courses, bootcamps, and certifications that you can take on a flexible schedule that suits your lifestyle.
It’s important to remember that tech skills can be beneficial in any industry. You don’t have to be a programmer or an engineer to benefit from tech skills. Even a basic understanding of technology can help you excel in marketing, business, and many other fields.
We are seeing more and more moms enrolling in technical programs such as computer-aided drafting and design (CADD), and cybersecurity. These fields not only offer high-demand job opportunities, but they also allow for remote work and flexible schedules, which can be ideal for working moms.
In fact, some companies are recognizing the value of hiring mothers who have pursued tech skills. Moms have a unique set of skills that can be extremely valuable in the workplace, including strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to multitask.
If you’re a mother who’s interested in pursuing tech skills and a career in this field, you might want to look into RW2 in Missouri. They offer programs such as CADD, Revit for BIM (Building Information Modeling), and cybersecurity. These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills that are in high demand in the workforce.
What’s even more impressive is that RW2 offers scholarship opportunities and grants are available for those who qualify. This means that as a mom, you can receive financial support to pursue your education and achieve your career goals. Get started as soon as June 5 or August 21.
Finding the Right Balance
Being a mom in tech means that you have to find a balance between your professional and personal life. You need to manage your time effectively so that you can meet your deadlines while also being present for your family.
- Make a schedule and stick to it, but also be flexible for unexpected situations that may arise.
- Set boundaries and communicate them with your family and coworkers. Let them know when you are available and when you need to focus on work.
- Take breaks! It’s important to take care of yourself so that you can perform at your best.
- Consider using technology to help you balance your work and family life, such as time tracking apps or collaboration tools that allow you to work from home.
Overall, finding the right balance as a mom in tech takes effort and communication, but it’s possible to excel in both areas of your life. Remember that success doesn’t have to be defined by traditional standards, and it’s important to define success on your own terms. By pursuing tech skills and a related career as a mother, you are breaking stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a successful working parent.
Finding the Right Balance
Success can mean different things to different people. As a mother pursuing a tech career, it’s important to define what success means to you. Is it about achieving a certain level of income? Having a fulfilling job? Being able to balance work and family life?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re not measuring up. But remember, your path is unique and what works for others may not work for you. Instead of striving for someone else’s definition of success, create your own.
Start by identifying your values and priorities. What’s important to you? Is it your family, your career, your hobbies? Once you have a clear understanding of what matters most to you, you can set goals that align with those values.
Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as you go. Life is unpredictable, and what works for you now may not work in a few months or years. Be flexible and open to change.
Remember, success is not a destination, it’s a journey. Celebrate your small wins along the way and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your values, and to never give up on pursuing your dreams.
Moms Sierra O’Neal and Diamond Loyd Pursue Career and Technical Programs in RW2
How do you manage being a mom, school, and work?
Diamond Loyd: I have support from my family and keeping the motivation to have a better life for my babies.
Sierra O’Neal: Being a mother figure while in school and work can definitely have its challenges, especially with time management and staying focused on one task at a time; but overall it’s a balancing game that is very rewarding when nurtured with plenty of love and dedication in all three areas. One of the biggest secrets to keeping the balance between all three is to give each one daily attention and always setting aside time for myself so that I can refresh and do it all over again.
What’s your why? Why are you pursuing a career using CADD or BIM skills?
Diamond Loyd: My why is because I have to. I enjoy architecture maybe not to the fullest extent of an expert. However I want to get there. I want to give my time and support to communities as well as people that don’t have the ability to do it alone. I thrive on supporting others and helping where I am needed.
Sierra O’Neal: Pursuing a career in the BIM skills has always been a passion, I love the art of design whether it’s in construction or on the project management side; but more importantly I choose this field so I can give my kids a head-start in areas I did not have the opportunity, such as for college funds, traveling the world, and creating financial assets. I also want to set an example and give my younger sisters an idea on how to set their kids up for success by creating generation health, wealth , and prosperity.
Would you encourage other women or mom’s to take classes with RW2? If so, what’s been good about your experience? If maybe or not, how and where can RW2 improve?
Diamond Loyd: I would absolutely encourage other women to take classes at RW2. The individualized program support and understanding I have from my instructors keeps me going even further.! I have 24 hour support in everything I need and they guide you along the way.! Thank you.!
Sierra O’Neal: “RW2 is a great opportunity for anyone looking to continue their education in the CAD or BIM sector. To all the mothers or women in general you would have the support of a lot of people who truly care if you make it and who are willing to help you figure out a way to get your certificate even with kids or a work schedule. RW2’s goal is to get you to the next level, and I encourage anybody seeking an opportunity to grow in your current or a new career field to give the RW2 Community a try ! You will not regret becoming the best version of you .
Key Takeaways
So, to all the tech-savvy moms out there, “I want to give a shout-out to you. As a woman, pursuing tech skills and a related career, this is no small thing. And doing this along with being a mother, you gotta have superpowers!” Dr.Joy Vann-Hamilton. Your dedication to your studies, your craft, and your family is truly inspiring. Keep up the amazing work, and don’t forget to celebrate all your achievements, big and small.
