The TechWomen Experience : Application Tips

What is TechWomen

TechWomen is a professional exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is administered by the Institute of International Education. About a hundred ladies are selected each year from 21 countries in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East to spend 5 weeks in the San Francisco Bay Area. The 5 weeks are spent working at a tech company, visiting different places in San Francisco and working with your country mates to come up with an impact project to implement once you return home.

My application journey

I first heard of TechWomen in 2012 from a family friend who sent me the application. I applied but had very little confidence in my place as a tech woman, I was fresh out of university with no idea what career to follow and I'm pretty sure that came out in my application. As expected I didn't make it. I decided to apply a few years later in 2017 but received yet another regret email. 2020 came and I applied again this time with a little more confidence since I had now gained some work experience. I made the semi final list but got a regret email once again. In 2021 I didn't want to apply, I had given up but two friends encouraged me and I applied. The rest is history! As I write this I am sitting in San Francisco fully experiencing the amazing opportunity that is TechWomen! So I thought to share some tips I've learnt along the way to help you with your application either for this opportunity or for similar opportunities that are out there. So let's get right into it.

Application tips

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria

The first way your application is screened is by considering if you are a female with at least two years work experience in science, technology, engineering or maths and if you at least have a first degree. You should also be a citizen and permanent resident of one of the countries listed on this page. You can check out the TechWomen website to see more about what makes you a suitable candidate for this program.

2. Be clear about your career aspirations

When I first applied for this program I don't blame the reviewers for not selecting me. I was wishy washy about what I wanted for my career and I am glad I only get to come to Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area now when I know what I need in my career and can make the most of the connections and experience. I encourage you to also be clear about what you would like to do in your career and this should come out clearly in your application essays.

3. Be clear about how being selected will impact you and your community

TechWomen wants to know how the 5 weeks of professional and cultural exchange will impact you and more so your community once you return. For example in my application I mentioned that it would assist me in getting a promotion I was gunning for at work and that I would assist many other girls to apply to the program like I am doing now by sharing these tips with you! Be as specific as you can!

4. Tell your story

Each of us has a story - for me it's the struggles of being raised by a single mother. What's your story and how can you bring it out in your essays?

5. Stick to answering the question

It's easy to get sidetracked when answering essay questions. Always keep the question in your mind as you answer to make sure you are answering what has been asked.

6. Ask someone to review your essays

I asked a past TechWomen fellow to review my application and she helped me make helpful changes for example she told me to be specific about exactly what company or type of company I wanted to be placed at in Silicon Valley. She also told me to dream big so if I want to work at Microsoft or Google for example I should say so! So now I'm passing her advice on to you too! Someone reviewing your essays can also help with grammar and spelling checks, you want to make sure your essays are well written. There's no need to use complicated language by the way! Be yourself as you write. Look for past TechWomen from your country on platforms such as LinkedIn - they are often very willing to help!

7. Wow the interviewers

If you make it past the selection phase you will be invited for an interview. Mine was a virtual one and I prepared clear answers about how this program would impact me and my community greatly by amplifying the work I'm already doing. I also got some great interview tips from a virtual session that was arranged by the TechWomen team so be sure to look out for those too!

8. Don't despair if you don't get selected - keep trying!

I only got selected for TechWomen the fourth time I applied! Others make it the first time round. It differs from person to person but if you truly believe you have a future in STEM then keep bettering yourself and keep applying till you make it! Here's a story of my journey if you're keen to read more. All the best with your application future TechWoman!

Part two of this series will be an article where I share what the experience in Silicon Valley and San Francisco is like so stay tuned!