Give to gain: career advice from women in tech

Every year on March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. A day to honor women’s equality, recognize their achievements, raise awareness and of course, support the women we know and love. This year, with focus on the theme ‘Give to gain’, we asked five Axis women to give their best career advice to other women who wants to explore a career in tech, and this is what they said.

Go for assignment you enjoy

“Dare to explore new areas, even when it feels uncomfortable. Trust your competence and experience but also your ability to grow. You don’t need to know everything from the start. Keep learning, stay curious, and let yourself evolve. Go for assignments you genuinely enjoy, where you can contribute, and that gives you energy. That’s when you do your best work and naturally stand out. And above all, dare to be yourself – your authenticity is your greatest strength.”

Jeanette Skjelmose, Vice President Operations

Advocate for yourself

“Something I would tell my younger self is to trust your instincts and don’t underestimate your voice. You don’t need to have everything figured out to contribute meaningfully. Advocate for yourself by being clear about your strengths and ambitions, and don’t wait for permission to lead. Leadership shows up in initiative, not just in titles, and progress matters more than perfection.

Be intentional about building relationships. Careers are shaped not only by results, but by trust and collaboration. And finally, support other women. Celebrate their ideas, create space for their voices, and recommend them for opportunities. When we choose collaboration over competition, we build success together.”

Nadhirah Abedol Taleb, Brand & Event Experiences Manager

Embrace living out of your comfort zone

“Some of the biggest moments of growth in my career came from stepping into situations that felt uncomfortable at first. So don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. That’s where growth and confidence are built, and where you discover what you’re capable of. Every time you challenge yourself, you grow and gain trust in your own abilities.

And remember, other women are not your competition. When we support each other, share knowledge, learn from one another, and celebrate success together, there is no limit to how far we can go.

Finally, if a career in tech excites you, even just a little, explore it. Don’t let outdated gender roles decide what you can or cannot do. If it fancies you, just go for it.”

Esther Babasasa, Industrial Lead

Be clear on your goals and ambitions

“Look for a manager who will see your unique capabilities and empower you to bring your perspectives to the table. Don’t be afraid to ask for new opportunities or support in trying out new things. If you are clear on your goals and ambitions, you and your manager can work together to make sure you get to where you want to be. And if you realize that you didn’t enjoy that new opportunity like you thought – speak up about that too. It is always ok to change your mind.”

Anny Eriksson-Bernholtz, Analytics Software Developer

Stay curious

“Always keep learning. Stay updated and aware of what’s happening around you: new methods, new technologies, and changes in the market. It is very easy to get immersed in your daily work and forget what’s happening outside of it. And at the end of they day, your career is not a straight line. It’s a series of experiments, lessons, pivots, and growth. The key is to stay consistent, stay curious, and stay kind to yourself along the way.”

Sara Hnine, Experienced Quality Engineer

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Do you want to explore a career in tech? Have a look at our open positions!