When thinking about breaking into the tech industry, it’s easy to focus on skills, qualifications, and who has the latest shiny tech certifications. But there’s something deeper at play: representation. You might not immediately think that seeing someone who looks like you, talks like you, or shares your life experiences matters in a technical field like ours, but trust me, it really does.
For anyone who’s ever walked into a room, looked around, and realised they were the only one who wasn’t part of the majority, whether by race, gender, background, or any other factor, you’ll know how that feels. It can make you question whether you truly belong. And when you don’t see people like you thriving in a space, it’s easy to assume that maybe you don’t belong there at all. But that’s where the power of representation kicks in.
When you see someone who has walked a similar path to yours, someone who’s defied the odds and succeeded, it ignites something. It builds confidence, because you think, "If they can do it, maybe I can too." And confidence is everything when it comes to taking on the tech world, where things can move fast and change overnight. Representation can be the difference between thinking "This career is for those people", and realising "Wait, it’s for me too".
I’ve seen this firsthand at TechSwitch. Some of our most talented learners have said they wouldn't have even considered a career in tech if they hadn’t seen someone like them blazing that trail first. It’s that “seeing is believing” mentality, it shifts what you think is possible.
Take someone like Anne-Marie Imafidon, co-founder of Stemettes. She saw the massive gap in representation for young women in STEM fields and decided to change the narrative. Stemettes has empowered thousands of girls across the UK to explore and thrive in tech, showing them that they belong in this space, one workshop, hackathon, and mentorship at a time.
Or consider Coding Black Females, the largest UK network of black female developers, founded by Charlene Hunter. This organisation is dedicated to supporting and empowering black women in tech by offering coding workshops, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. By creating a space where black women can connect, learn, and thrive, Coding Black Females is making it clear that the tech industry is a place for them too, opening doors for a new generation of developers and leaders.
These women are doing more than just building programs, they are shifting perceptions and changing lives. They show what’s possible, and they create a community for those who come after them.
It’s not just about blazing a trail, it’s about keeping that path open. When people from marginalised communities step into roles traditionally dominated by others, they become living proof that the tech world is not as narrow as it once seemed. They also take on the mantle of role model, whether they intended to or not.
At TechSwitch, we are all about creating a space where diversity thrives and where people can find the representation they may have been missing. We love sharing the stories of our incredible community members, like those who have switched from careers in hospitality, social work, or from backgrounds in humanities and arts, to become software developers. When these stories are shared, others from similar backgrounds can suddenly see their own tech journey in a whole new light.
Representation doesn’t just give you the idea that you can do something, it gives you a map. It shows you the route someone else took, the obstacles they overcame, and gives you the confidence to follow in their footsteps or to even forge a new path.
It’s important to remember that representation isn’t just about the individuals who benefit from seeing themselves reflected in tech spaces. It’s about how the industry as a whole gains from having a diversity of perspectives, experiences, and ideas. When people from different backgrounds come together, they don’t just add value, they create it.
Innovation thrives on diversity. The more voices we have, the more ideas we generate. The more perspectives we include, the better solutions we create. And it’s not just about making the tech industry more inclusive (though that’s critical), it’s about making it better.
At the heart of it all is community. When you see someone who looks like you succeeding, you feel connected. You realise you’re not alone. That’s why we’re passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, and why we’re committed to celebrating the role models, mentors, and trailblazers who have made it possible for others to follow.
Because at the end of the day, representation matters. It matters for the young girl who’s wondering if tech could ever be for her. It matters for the person switching careers later in life, worried they’re too late to the party. It matters for every single one of us who has ever felt out of place, like we didn’t belong. Seeing someone like you thriving isn’t just inspiring, it’s life-changing. And that’s why we do what we do.
Let’s keep breaking down those barriers, one story at a time.