Rise of She-EOs: Women Lead the Charge in Tech Upskilling Revolution

In the ever-evolving job market shaped by technological advancements, the Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study 2023 has uncovered a compelling trend – a remarkable 87% of female professionals actively seek upskilling opportunities in technology-based programs. This revelation underscores the proactive stance of women in navigating the challenges posed by the swiftly changing employment landscape, fueled by technological disruptions.

Investment in Education

Women’s growing interest in upskilling is on par with their male counterparts, with 88% of men showing an equal enthusiasm for technology-focused programs. What sets women apart, especially at the C-Suite level, is their willingness to invest more out of pocket in furthering their education. Female CXOs, in particular, exhibit a readiness to spend an average of USD 10,000 on education within the next year, surpassing male CXOs by nearly USD 1,500. This data points to a distinctive trend where women position themselves as frontrunners in technology-driven industries.

Addressing Gender Disparities

The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports that women constitute only about 26% of AI job roles globally. Skillsoft’s 2022 Women in Tech report further highlights the gender gap in leadership roles within organizations, with 60% of surveyed women stating that men outnumber them at ratios of 2-to-1 or more. The Emeritus study emphasizes that upskilling women in the tech sector is crucial to bridging this disparity.

Investment Preferences Across Seniority Levels

The study reveals that women across various seniority levels, including junior management, middle management, senior management, and owners, express a high willingness to invest in upskilling within the US$100-US$399 price range. Notably, those at the C-Suite level demonstrate a slightly greater inclination to spend on higher-cost upskilling programs, ranging from US$ 10,000 to US$ 50,000.

Motivations for Upskilling

Motivations for upskilling among women and men across different seniority levels include increasing self-confidence, developing leadership skills, ensuring job security, and staying abreast of the latest knowledge in the field. These motivations underscore the multifaceted benefits that professionals, irrespective of gender, seek through continuous learning and development.

Differing Preferences in Program Durations

While the male workforce often prefers shorter upskilling programs, with the majority willing to spend up to 2-3 months on a program, female professionals stand out for their readiness to dedicate 4-6 months to upskilling. This variance in program durations showcases the unique approaches women bring to their learning journeys.

Expert Editorial Comment: “The Emeritus study reveals a compelling narrative of women actively engaging in upskilling, positioning themselves as leaders in the dynamic tech job market. The significant investment of time and resources by women at various seniority levels underscores their strategic approach to staying ahead in evolving industries. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, these insights emphasize the indispensable role of women in shaping the future of technology-driven sectors.”