Once upon a time in Hollywood, when women in tech were nearly nonexistent, I was working in promotions at LA Weekly. Social media wasn’t mainstream yet. In fact, some people considered it the root of all evil. But I had been watching my friends in bands use MySpace to tell fans where they were playing and how to buy merch, and I saw potential.
I launched social media at LA Weekly, using MySpace to connect with readers and promote events. It took off quickly. We built a following in the thousands and used it to drive traffic to our new website and boost attendance at events. LA Weekly was happy, and I had unknowingly taken my first step into tech.
My MySpace Mania
MySpace, and my obsession with it, also became an unexpected gateway into web development. Back then, you could override the MySpace code and design your own profile pages. I realized I enjoyed playing with the code more than scrolling through other people’s content. I loved changing colors, adding images, and customizing layouts.
It made me feel a little like a hacker. Especially after a friend showed me how to view private profiles so we could spy on old boyfriends. (Don’t judge.)
The more I played with HTML and CSS, the more I realized I had a real interest in building things. A friend told me about a two-year web design and development program at UCLA Extension. I figured why not channel my skills into something more productive than ex-stalking? I lived five minutes from campus. (Okay, I still drove. Nobody walks in LA.)
Two years later, I finished what turned out to be a surprisingly rigorous program. I actually learned more from it than I did in my entire four years of college. A couple of months after graduating, I landed my first tech job as Webmaster for Joico, a global haircare brand.
The Web Is (Still) Hiring
When I first started, it was almost effortless to find work. Developers were in such high demand that even if I randomly quit a job, I could usually line up another one within a week.
Today, it’s a little more competitive. The field has grown, and companies are more selective. But the demand is still there — especially for people who can both code and communicate.
What hasn’t changed is the culture. Unlike the cutthroat world of marketing, tech has always felt collaborative. People genuinely want to help you solve problems, share shortcuts, and talk through bugs. It’s still the most supportive industry I’ve ever worked in.
The Truth About Women in Tech
Honestly, I have never felt like I was paid less than a man. I have always spoken up for myself during the hiring process, which helps. But most tech companies pay based on skill, not gender or age. In fact, because women in tech are still underrepresented, many companies are actively looking to hire more women.
Ten years in, I’m still often the only woman in the room. But I am not the only one getting hired.
Considering a new career?
I wanted to share this story because for a long time, I was one of the only women in tech. That never bothered me. If anything, I found way more support and collaboration in tech than I ever did in marketing.
I’m always telling female students to think seriously about getting into this field. If you’re creative, trust me, web design is a creative job. The money can be really good, and there’s always work. Always. Tech isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
To my friends with kids figuring out their futures, or anyone thinking about a midlife pivot, I can’t recommend tech enough. It’s not the boring math grind you might picture. It’s creative, it’s problem-solving, and honestly, it’s fun.
Take it from someone who hated math in school and now writes code for a living. Bonus: I used to think being an event planner made me cool. But I’ve been told more than once that female coders are way hotter.
How to Break Into Tech
Whether you’re switching careers or planning ahead while still in college, the truth is, you don’t need a computer science degree to get into tech. What you do need is focus, curiosity, and a bias toward action. Here’s how to get started.
Whether you’re switching careers or planning ahead while still in college, the truth is, you don’t need a computer science degree to get into tech. What you do need is focus, curiosity, and a bias toward action. Here’s how to get started.
1. Pick a Direction and Stick With It (For Now)
Don’t try to learn everything at once. Choose a path that feels interesting. That might be web development, UX design, product management, data analytics, digital marketing, QA testing, or something else entirely. You can always pivot later. Early focus helps you build real momentum.
2. Learn the Basics Online
There are thousands of free or low-cost courses. Start with platforms like:
- freeCodeCamp, Codecademy, or The Odin Project if you’re learning to code
- Google UX Design or CareerFoundry if you’re leaning toward design
- Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning if you’re exploring a broader mix of tech skills
Set a schedule and treat it like real class time.
3. Build Projects as You Go
Learning theory is fine. Showing your work is better. Build a personal site. Clone your favorite app’s layout. Redesign a clunky nonprofit website. Write code, design interfaces, test flows. Whatever your path, document everything.
4. Put Your Work Online
Create a portfolio, even if it’s basic. Push your projects to GitHub. Publish case studies on Notion. Share what you’re learning on LinkedIn. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to show that you’re doing the work and thinking critically.
5. Find Your People
Follow folks in your field on Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Join free communities on Slack or Discord. Ask questions. Join challenges. It helps to see others at different stages of the same path.
6. Get Comfortable With Impostor Syndrome
It’s normal. Everyone feels it at some point. It doesn’t mean you don’t belong. It means you’re growing. Keep going anyway.
7. Apply Before You Feel Ready
Most job descriptions are wishlists. Apply anyway. Worst case, you get practice. Best case, you get a call. Once you get your foot in the door, your learning curve will speed up fast.
8. Keep Learning on the Job
Tech moves quickly. You have to have the mindset that you will always be learning, always doing tutorials, always open to something new.
…and if you find yourself exploring a new career in this field and want more advice, send me a note!
