Introduction
In today’s fast-paced world, the tech industry is not just about innovation and problem-solving—it’s also becoming a space where women, particularly mothers, can thrive. At Le Wagon, we are committed to creating initiatives for women and mums that go beyond technical training. Our goal is to foster spaces that welcome motherhood, sisterhood, and opportunities for visibility and networking. These initiatives allow women to connect, share experiences, and talk about what matters most to them—career growth, parenting, or both.
The recent panel, “Mums in Tech: Balancing Skills, Careers, and Kids,” highlighted how a career in tech can empower mums to redefine their professional paths while managing personal lives. Here’s why tech is becoming the ideal field for mothers, and how our panellists exemplified this.
Why tech is perfect for mums
Flexibility and remote work
Tech careers offer flexibility that is invaluable to mothers balancing parenting and professional aspirations. With remote-first policies, hybrid models, and asynchronous work schedules, mums can manage childcare and meet deadlines without compromise. Virginie, the CEO of Le Wagon, shared how flexibility helps her tackle last-minute nanny issues or attend medical appointments while maintaining productivity.
Supportive policies and culture
Many tech companies are leading the way with inclusive policies like extensive parental leave and family-friendly work cultures. At Le Wagon, programs are designed to accommodate different schedules, enabling mums to upskill or change careers without sacrificing family life.
Upskilling with Le Wagon
Le Wagon offers industry-focused bootcamps that provide flexible and comprehensive training in areas like Web Development, Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, and Growth Marketing. Whether you prefer a full-time, part-time, or online format, Le Wagon’s programs are designed to fit into your schedule. These bootcamps equip mums with in-demand skills to thrive in tech roles, offering a supportive environment to learn and grow.
Real stories: From maternity to mastery
Annie’s journey to Software Engineering
Annie decided to embark on a part-time Web Development Bootcamp while on maternity leave, with her newborn just 10 weeks old. Although it felt like an ambitious choice at the time, the experience transformed her career. Today, she is a thriving Software Engineer with a 4-year-old boy, proving that with the right support and determination, motherhood and career advancement can go hand in hand.
Annie shared her experience of being the only woman on her engineering team, acknowledging that while it can be tough, the industry is gradually evolving. “If my child pops up on screen during a meeting, so be it,” she said, embracing the realities of balancing work and family. Annie hopes to serve as a role model for other women considering careers in engineering, showing them that it’s possible to break barriers and thrive in a still male-dominated field.
Candice’s return to tech as a Growth Marketer
Candice, a mother of a 14-year-old, re-entered the tech world by enrolling in Le Wagon’s Growth Marketing Bootcamp. After beginning her tech career over a decade ago, she decided to prioritize finding a role that offers the flexibility and understanding she needs as a parent.
Candice chose to focus on companies with cultures that embrace her role as a mum, recognizing that a supportive work environment is key to balancing her responsibilities. While the journey comes with its challenges, this new career represents more than just a change of role—it’s a step toward transforming her entire lifestyle. With her newfound skills and a clear vision, Candice is determined to build a career that aligns with her family priorities and professional aspirations.
Rehyan’s career shift to web development
Rehyan recently graduated from Le Wagon’s full-time online Web Development Bootcamp, a transformative experience she undertook while caring for her 3-year-old daughter. Transitioning from a background in retail and merchandising, she initially doubted whether she could make the leap into tech. However, her determination and the support she received from her teachers helped her navigate the intense and challenging program.
Balancing parenting with a rigorous three-month bootcamp wasn’t easy, but Rehyan’s success is a testament to her resilience and the encouragement provided by Le Wagon’s supportive learning environment. With her brand-new career in web development, she is now ready to take on her next challenge and is actively seeking her first role in the tech industry. Her journey demonstrates that it’s never too late to pursue a career change, even when juggling the demands of family life.
Challenges mums face in their careers
By bringing together women from diverse backgrounds and roles—ranging from the CEO of Le Wagon to a recent bootcamp graduate—the panel addressed some of the common hurdles mothers face in their professional careers. From balancing family commitments with career advancement to overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations, the discussion shed light on the unique challenges and triumphs that come with being a mother in the workforce. The stories shared offered not just inspiration but also practical advice for navigating these obstacles with confidence and resilience.
Mental load
Juggling the demands of work and parenting can be overwhelming, especially when societal norms still place a disproportionate share of household responsibilities on mothers.
Career gaps
Career breaks for maternity leave often create challenges in returning to work. However, the tech industry’s focus on skills and adaptability rather than tenure makes it more accommodating for women re-entering the workforce.
Societal expectations
Societal pressures on mothers to “do it all” can be both exhausting and demotivating. Virginie stressed the importance of fostering a culture where mums feel supported rather than judged for their career and family choices.
Role models
The lack of visible women leaders in tech can make it harder for mothers to envision a clear path to success. However, women leaders are paving the way, showing that it’s possible to excel both as a parent and as a professional.
How to start your tech journey
Join a bootcamp at Le Wagon
Le Wagon’s bootcamps in Web Development, Data Science, Data Analytics, Data Engineering, and Growth Marketing are designed to equip you with the practical skills you need to thrive in the tech industry. Choose from full-time, part-time, or online formats to fit your schedule, and benefit from a curriculum that blends technical training with real-world applications, helping you transition confidently into the tech world.
Research family-friendly tech companies
Explore companies with family-friendly policies using platforms like Glassdoor and FairyGodBoss. Look for organizations that value diversity, inclusion, and work-life balance, and prioritize roles that offer flexibility to support your parenting journey.
Even if the professional world doesn’t always feel like the “village” we need to raise a child, don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow mums, women in your workplace, a classmate, or even a teacher. No support is stronger than #womensupportingwomen.
Conclusion
A career in tech offers mothers a path to professional growth, flexibility, and the chance to thrive in a supportive environment. As the stories from our panel show, with determination and the right resources, mums can not only succeed but also redefine success on their own terms.
Ready to take the leap? Start your tech transformation with Le Wagon’s flexible and inclusive bootcamp programs today.
Related articles