Closing the confidence gap: How tech education transforms careers for women By: Katherina Uribe January 30, 2025 Estimated reading time: 6 minutes. Confidence can often feel out of reach, especially for women entering male-dominated fields like technology. Despite possessing equal or greater qualifications, many women hesitate to pursue career advancement or technological opportunities due to self-doubt and societal pressures such as expectations to prioritize caregiving roles, stereotypes about women’s technical abilities, and the lack of visible female role models in leadership positions. This phenomenon, known as the “confidence gap,” often prevents women from achieving their full potential. But there is good news: tech education is a powerful tool that helps women overcome this barrier and opens doors to thriving, impactful careers. What is the confidence gap? The confidence gap refers to a disparity in self-assurance, where women tend to underestimate their abilities, even when they are just as capable as their male counterparts. Research highlights that this gap often stems from societal norms, workplace biases, and a lack of representation in leadership roles. In practical terms, the confidence gap manifests in ways that impact career progression and personal growth. For instance: Hesitation to apply for roles: Women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, compared to men who apply when meeting only 60%. As noted in a study by Harvard Business Review, these hesitations often stem from self-doubt and a misunderstanding of the job requirements. Reluctant to negotiate salaries: While women negotiate as often as men, studies reveal systematic biases that make the outcome less favourable. For instance, research from the University of California, Berkeley, found that women negotiate as often as men but are turned down more frequently. Additionally, a Harvard Business School analysis points out that women who negotiate assertively often face social penalties, such as being perceived as “difficult” or “unlikable,” which can discourage future negotiations and frequently result in lower salaries. Self-doubt in pursuing leadership opportunities: Whether it’s advanced education, leadership roles, or high-profile projects, women’s self-doubt often limits their aspirations. As highlighted in a study by Harvard Business School, many talented women refrain from pursuing leadership roles because of deeply rooted self-doubt and the fear of not meeting perceived expectations. These behaviours are not innate but are reinforced by cultural expectations and systemic barriers. For example, a 2023 Lean In study revealed that only 32% of women feel confident they can achieve career advancement compared to 44% of men. Also, a 2023 McKinsey report emphasized persistent challenges women face, including biases in promotion processes and significant barriers to reaching senior leadership roles. These findings underscore the systemic issues perpetuating the confidence gap and hindering career advancement for women. Empowerment through tech skills Gaining new technical skills can boost confidence and unlock career potential in a world where technology moves rapidly. Women who acquire expertise in areas like coding, data analytics, data science, or cybersecurity often report increased confidence in their newly learned tech skills and tangible career advancements. The tech industry offers growth through higher salaries, leadership opportunities, and the chance to work on innovative projects. For instance, women transitioning into tech frequently experience significant financial and professional growth, often doubling their previous incomes. These inspiring examples illustrate how tech education can empower women to break barriers and achieve lasting career success. The value of inclusive and supportive learning environments A diverse and inclusive learning environment is essential for fostering growth and confidence. Inclusive classrooms not only encourage collaboration but also ensure women feel supported and valued throughout their journey. At Lighthouse Labs, initiatives like mentorship programs, peer support networks, and women-focused events create spaces where women can thrive. These programs help dismantle stereotypes and build a sense of belonging in tech, inspiring participants to set ambitious goals and realize their full potential confidently. Tech as an enhancement of current skills Tech education doesn’t just introduce new skills; it amplifies existing ones. Many women transitioning into tech bring valuable experience from non-tech backgrounds, which often gives them a unique advantage in their new roles. Here below are some examples of skill transfer: 1. Administrative roles to cybersecurity: Professionals in administrative roles often manage sensitive information, coordinate multiple stakeholders, and ensure organizational processes run smoothly. These skills translate seamlessly into cybersecurity, where managing risks and safeguarding digital assets are critical. 2. Finance to data science or data analysis: Finance professionals work extensively with numbers, trends, and risk assessments — skills that align perfectly with data-driven roles like data science and data analysis. Their ability to interpret data for actionable insights makes them valuable in these roles. 3. Teaching to web development: Teachers excel at breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts and tailoring their communication to different audiences. These skills are invaluable in web development, where designing user-friendly interfaces and clear workflows is key. 4. Healthcare to data analysis or cybersecurity: Healthcare professionals are skilled in problem-solving, managing sensitive patient information, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. These skills translate into data analysis and cybersecurity, where attention to detail and risk management are critical. 5. Creative roles to web development: Creative brings a unique perspective to web development, particularly in user experience and interface design. Their ability to understand and cater to an audience’s needs ensures they excel in creating visually appealing and functional digital products. 6. Retail or customer service to cybersecurity: Retail and customer service professionals are adept at problem-solving, handling customer concerns, and managing fast-paced environments. These abilities are highly transferable to cybersecurity, where responding quickly to threats and resolving vulnerabilities is critical. These career pivots demonstrate how tech education complements and builds upon prior expertise, empowering women to reach new heights in their careers. Lighthouse Labs graduates who have closed the confidence gap Corrina C. worked in branding and graphic design before transitioning to tech, where she is now a Software Developer at Unity Technologies. Maria T. worked as a Level Designer and 3D Level Artist but was drawn to the technical aspects of creating interactive experiences. She enrolled in Lighthouse Labs’ Web Development Bootcamp and now works as a Full-Stack Developer at Athlete Technology Group. Esther C. worked as a Teacher before enrolling in Lighthouse Labs Web Development Bootcamp. She now works as a Software Engineer at Uber. Mentorship vs. sponsorship Both mentorship and sponsorship are essential in closing the confidence gap, but they serve distinct purposes: Mentorship Mentorship involves experienced individuals offering guidance, feedback, and advice to help others grow. Mentors help women navigate challenges like impostor syndrome and career decisions. For example, a mentor might provide constructive feedback on performance or suggest strategies to boost confidence. Sponsorship Sponsorship goes beyond mentorship by involving senior leaders who advocate for women’s career advancement. Sponsors open doors, create opportunities and recommend women for promotions or high-profile projects. For instance, a sponsor might advocate for a woman’s leadership potential during decision-making. Difference between mentorship and sponsorship Mentorship focuses on guidance and advice, helping women build confidence and navigate challenges, while sponsorship involves active career advocacy, opening doors to new opportunities, and accelerating professional growth. Women benefit most when they have access to both mentorship and sponsorship, as they complement each other to create a robust support system for career success. Breaking barriers: A call to action Tech education is a transformative way to break through the barriers and create lasting opportunities for women to close the confidence gap. Women face unique challenges such as gender bias, career gaps, and family responsibilities. Our flexible learning bootcamps — including part-time and full-time options — help women balance these demands while gaining the skills needed to thrive in tech. For example, some of our graduate success stories like Meenu Bhardwaj and Maria Tiagunova show how accessible, flexible education enables women to pivot into high-demand roles like cybersecurity, data science, data analysis, or web development. These inspiring journeys emphasize how a supportive, inclusive environment can build confidence, provide networking opportunities, and prepare women for career success. Take the first step Explore upcoming Info Sessions to find the right path for your tech journey. Register here. Here at Lighthouse Labs, our commitment remains to helping women break barriers through innovative programs, mentorship initiatives, and a focus on inclusivity. Through Lighthouse Labs' impact initiatives, over 500 self-identified women have had access to subsidized tech education. Women interested in joining the tech world can explore resources tailored to their needs and take that crucial first step toward a rewarding career in technology. Check out our bootcamps: Cybersecurity Bootcamp: Equip yourself with the skills to protect organizations from digital threats. Learn more. Web Development Bootcamp: Build websites and applications from scratch. Learn more. Data Science and Analytics Bootcamps: Dive into data-driven decision-making. Learn more. Conclusion Closing the confidence gap is not just about individual growth; it’s about creating an inclusive and equitable tech industry. Tech education is the key to empowerment, allowing women to build skills, overcome barriers, and achieve their career aspirations. By embracing tech education, women can transform not only their own lives but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps. Take the first step today and join a supportive community that believes in your full potential.