Breaking barriers and building confidence in digital careers
16/04/26
For many young people considering a career in tech, the biggest hurdles are not technical but deeply personal – confidence, access and the feeling of belonging. Even as opportunities in the digital sector expand, these invisible barriers continue to shape who steps forward and who holds back.
Jeevantika Lingalwar, Head of AI Business Applications at HCS and founder of International Women in Tech Ireland, has seen these challenges up close through her work with hundreds of mentees and a growing tech community.
Through her podcast The Unplanned Journey: Thriving Amidst the Unpredictable, she also shares honest conversations about navigating uncertainty and building a career in the industry.
In this interview, she reflects on what still holds young people back – and how confidence, support and the right environment can make all the difference.
Q: You’ve supported hundreds of women through International Women in Tech Ireland and your mentorship work. What are the biggest barriers young girls still face when entering tech, and what helps them overcome them?
JL: Despite progress, many barriers have little to do with ability and everything to do with confidence, visibility and access. One of the biggest challenges is the belief that technology is “not for them”. From an early age, girls are less likely to see themselves represented in technical roles or to be encouraged to explore subjects like computing, engineering or data.
Another major barrier is confidence. Many capable young women underestimate their skills, hesitate to apply for opportunities or feel they need to be “perfect” before taking the next step. Being one of very few in a tech environment can reinforce that feeling.
What helps is support and exposure. Seeing women in technology and leadership roles is incredibly powerful, especially when they share their journeys honestly. Mentorship and community also play a key role – having someone who listens and encourages growth makes a difference.
Access to practical experiences is equally important. Workshops, hands-on projects and safe spaces to experiment help girls realise that technology is about creativity and impact, not just code. Connect tech to real-world problems increases engagement.
Most importantly, girls need to hear consistently that they belong in tech now, not as some future point.
Q: Your podcast focuses on “thriving amidst the unpredictable”. What advice would you give to young girls who feel unsure about pursuing a tech career or fear they’re “not ready”?
JL: Feeling uncertain is not a sign you do not belong in tech – it is often a sign you are growing. Almost everyone in this field has felt unprepared at some point. The difference is the willingness to start anyway.
Technology is constantly evolving, so there is no moment where you suddenly feel fully ready. In my own career, I have learned that thriving in uncertainty is about being comfortable learning as you go. Curiosity and resilience matter far more than perfection.
For girls who feel they do not fit the stereotype, there is no single type of person who succeeds in tech. Different perspectives, backgrounds and ways of thinking are needed. Confidence often comes after action, not before. It is built by trying, asking questions and learning from mistakes. You do not need to wait until you feel fully prepared. Finally, seek out community. Being around people who support and encourage you makes a significant difference. No one thrives alone.
My message to young girls is honest: you do not need to be ready – you just need to be willing. And as I always say, don’t be afraid of failure, be afraid of not trying.
