Finding Inspiration at Women in Tech (Unfiltered) 2

Chiara Bassini is a volunteer and former intern at Manchester's Digital Strategy. Here, Chiara shares her reflections on Manchester Tech Festival's Women In Tech (Unfiltered) 2 event as a graduate preparing to enter the industry.

On the 29th of October, as part of the Manchester Tech Festival, I participated in Women in Tech (Unfiltered) 2 alongside the Manchester Digital Strategy Team. This time around, I wasn’t just a student eager to enter the job market - I was a recent graduate, still holding on to the same drive but carrying with me the disillusionment of seven months and 150 LinkedIn job applications, none of which had landed me a role in the tech industry. Though I'm grateful for my current job working with incredible people, I can’t help but feel that my years of study and dedication are leading me somewhere other than where I’d hoped.

Despite this, attending Women in Tech again reminded me of what first drew me to this field: witnessing strong women talk candidly about their experiences in tech. The event, led by inspiring women and LGBTQ+ advocates, delivered sessions that shed light on the tech world’s successes and flaws.

The first talk was given by Lauren Gibson, who discussed the phenomenon of the "glass cliff." This concept describes how, in times of crisis, women are often appointed to high-stakes positions that can set them up for failure. These moments, Lauren explained, often stem from a desire for female “crisis management” qualities, qualities that can backfire when women are then criticised for lacking traditional “leadership” traits. She cited examples like Theresa May and Kamala Harris, women who were placed in leadership under intense scrutiny and expected to live up to impossible standards.

Lauren’s discussion resonated deeply. As she laid out the signs of a glass cliff - being undermined, micromanaged, and unfairly held accountable - it was sobering to consider that these patterns are ingrained in many industries, not just tech. Her talk emphasised that overcoming these obstacles begins with awareness and advocacy, including identifying the signs and communicating when situations are unjust.

Having (luckily!) never been in this position myself, going forward in my career I’m equipped with the knowledge of how to recognise the tell-tale signs of the glass cliff.

Following Lauren’s talk, Wendy Amexo reinforced the importance of persistence and self-worth. She spoke about her career transition and how women, particularly those entering tech from unconventional backgrounds, must often work with the resources they have rather than what they wish they had. Wendy highlighted the importance of bridging the digital gap by supporting women and children while also encouraging us to find mentors, stay curious, and keep learning. Her words offered a reminder that while barriers exist, we have the power to add value to our journeys and that setbacks are simply part of the path.

Julia Bellis followed with advice on embracing uncertainty, reflecting on her experiences at The Guardian in 2016. She spoke to the fear of potential failures that linger in the background - a sentiment that hit home as I reflected on my experiences with job rejections and feeling stuck. Julia’s advice was to make creative leaps, even in moments of doubt, and to keep pushing through moments of career uncertainty, a perspective that reframes fear as a signal that growth is on the horizon.

A fireside chat hosted by Beckie Taylor explored what women in tech truly need to thrive and posed questions on whether women are fully aware of the resources available. Speakers discussed the importance of salary transparency, female representation in leadership, and fostering awareness of non-traditional pathways into tech. They highlighted the need for workplaces to connect with women across diverse backgrounds and create inclusive pathways. Networking was emphasised as a crucial means of support, a reminder that while progress in tech may be slow, community can provide strength and opportunity.

In my experience, being part of the Manchester’s Digital Strategy team has proved crucial to meeting like-minded individuals, and despite not yet having a job in the tech sector, I have met people who have inspired me to keep pursuing my search and who have shown me that it’s not necessary to come from the tech sector to be a part of it.

In the final talk I attended on the day, Diversity in Digital: Priceless and Necessary, speakers Kate Jones and Nathalie Lowe delved into what it means to work in digital regulation and the invaluable perspectives that diverse backgrounds bring. They emphasised the need for digital spaces to be inclusive and representative, shedding light on the real, tangible benefits that come with a workforce that mirrors the diversity of society.

Reflecting on my experience with the Strategy Team, I find it refreshing that everyone brings a diverse background and cultural perspective. This diversity leads to interesting content, unique viewpoints, and innovative ideas. As a student when I joined the team, I contributed my experience to help target our content to a broader audience, including fellow students. Although my background is not primarily in tech, I have adapted easily to the team's requests, and my background has never been an issue.

Attending Women in Tech (Unfiltered) 2 served as a reminder of both the potential and challenge present in the tech industry. The emphasis on the importance of diverse backgrounds highlighted by many speakers was refreshing and underscored the value of everyone's experiences.

This time around at the festival, I saw it through a different lens, no longer as the idealistic student but as someone wrestling with the reality of breaking into an industry that feels impenetrable. The day gave me a renewed sense of motivation, but it also highlighted the gap between the tech world I aspire to join and the one that exists.

I have the potential to enter this world - I have two degrees, I have experience, I attend conferences and volunteer with a team I am passionate about, but why do I still struggle?

Though my journey so far has been one of persistence, frustration, and hard lessons, I am reminded that every step, even in unexpected directions, brings me closer to finding where I truly belong. I am a driven individual who easily adapts to the demands of the workplace and drives everyone to do the best job that they can do. As I move forward, I’ll carry the stories and lessons I’ve learned from Women In Tech with me, hopeful that the path forward is one where diversity, resilience, and authenticity truly pave the way.

During Wendy Amexo's talk, she asked her audience to imagine themselves in the future ten years down the line. I picture myself content and with a job that I am happy with - hopefully in the tech sector.

Maybe by the time the next Women In Tech comes around, I’ll be celebrating that reality!