International Women's Day: My journey and tips for the next generation of Women in Data
Happy International Women's Day! This year's theme, "Give to Gain," resonates deeply with our mission at Women Who Qlik. The Women Who Qlik community is an amazing group of women who support each other, share experiences and knowledge, and I'm truly loving being a part of it!
In the spirit of International Women’s Day, I want to share a piece of my own journey and offer some advice for all the brilliant women starting their careers in data, analytics, and AI.
The Experience That Shaped Me
At almost 64 years old, life is never dull, and I'm always on a learning curve! When I started as a Manager of a Data & Analytics team, I remember sitting in a meeting where I was the only woman at the table. I had an idea, a different way of looking at the data and the Business Intelligence process, that I believed could solve the problems we were facing. However, when I started to explain, I was interrupted, and my idea was dismissed before I could fully explain it. I will never forget that moment; it made me feel small, and I began to doubt myself. Was my story incorrect? Should I have spoken up? Was my idea really that bad?
Later that day, a senior colleague who had witnessed the exchange asked me for a separate meeting. He said, “Well, that didn’t go well, but I think they misunderstood you. How can I help you bring your idea to the table?” The tip he gave me was, never let anyone silence you. Your perspective is valuable because it's different, and you have a clear vision for the future of our teams. I got the help I needed, I was mentored, and my voice was heard. The biggest success from that moment was that the two teams were merged into one, and we started using the same data source! My biggest lesson was learning that I do have a voice, and with the help of my mentor, people started to listen.
This experience shaped my years as a manager. Stories like this, and those from the amazing Women Who Qlik, reinforce that no woman should ever feel like she must shrink to fit in or be ignored. Mentorship matters, and it helps you grow!
My Tips for starting in data, analytics, and AI
For those of you just beginning your journey, here are some of the lessons that I've learned along the way:
Build your foundation but always stay curious: Master the fundamentals of data, analytics, and AI. Understand the 'why' behind the techniques, not just the 'how'. Never stop learning. This field is constantly evolving, so cultivate a mindset of continuous curiosity. Read, experiment, and ask questions. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, but my advice is to pick the fundamentals you need, start with what you feel comfortable with, and build from there.
Find your tribe: You are not alone. Seek out communities like Women Who Qlik, both online and in person. Find mentors who will challenge and support you. And just as importantly, be a mentor to others. The connections you make will be your greatest asset.
Don't be afraid to be different: Your unique background, experiences, and perspective are your superpowers. Don't shy away from them. The most innovative solutions come from looking at problems in new ways. Embrace your authentic self, and don't let anyone tell you to be a muted version of yourself.
Communication is key: You can have the most brilliant analysis in the world, but if you can't communicate it effectively, it won't have an impact. Learn to tell stories with data. Understand your audience and tailor your message to them. Your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights is what will set you apart.
On this International Women's Day, I encourage you to reflect on the theme of "Give To Gain." Give your time, your knowledge, and your support to the women around you. In doing so, you will not only help them to rise, but you will also find that you gain more than you ever thought possible. Together, we can continue to build a future where every woman has a seat at the table, and where every voice is heard.
Stay in touch with me via the Women who Qlik Community, connect with me on LinkedIn or just DM me!
Angelika Klidas Trainer & Advisor, Business Data Challengers, the Netherlands
@Aklidas I love how you talk about "give to gain". Mentorship and sharing is so important to growth in data, analytics and AI. Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts for International Women's Day!
