This year marks the 10th annual Women in Engineering Day. Organized by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), the yearly event shines a spotlight on the women engineers of the world, placing emphasis on their invaluable work in the industries they contribute to.
As we celebrate Women in Engineering Day in 2023 at OPSWAT, we take great pride in acknowledging the indispensable role of women engineers in shaping and strengthening the cybersecurity industry. In this blog, we explore the immense importance of women engineers in the field of cybersecurity through the eyes of Alexandra Ivan, highlighting her story and expertise.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, specifically in your chosen field?
I always knew that I would like to become an engineer, I just wasn’t sure exactly what field suited me best. I got the answer during college when I had a course where I developed a web application. I was so fascinated by what I could create using HTML elements, styles in CSS, and logic in a simple backend, that it became my ambition to learn all that I could about web apps.
How has your experience as a woman in engineering shaped your perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
I am grateful that from the beginning I was able to work with female engineers on my team, so I always felt that women were included and appreciated within OPSWAT. Maybe in some cases, a diverse team makes a difference, but what’s most important is to have a team of excellent and involved engineers.
How do you see the role of women engineers evolving in the future, and what opportunities do you think it presents?
An engineer is an engineer, regardless of their gender. Women engineers can have the same career path as a male engineer. All that matters is giving your best every day, and having the willingness to learn, adapt and evolve.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in engineering?
Go for it! Engineering is cool, you can create things that others only imagine!
By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, we can empower every member of our team to excel in their careers and contribute to a more secure way of life. OPSWAT remains committed to promoting gender equality, inspiring future generations, and driving innovation through the inclusion of women in the cybersecurity industry.
Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation
The cybersecurity landscape demands a diverse range of talents and perspectives to effectively tackle the ever-evolving threats. Women engineers bring unique viewpoints, problem-solving skills, and creative thinking to the table. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, OPSWAT ensures that the company can address complex challenges from various angles, resulting in innovative and comprehensive solutions.
Bridging the Gender Gap
Despite significant progress, the gender gap in the engineering field, especially in cybersecurity, persists. Celebrating Women in Engineering Day is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of women engineers and inspire future generations to pursue careers in this rewarding field. OPSWAT actively promotes gender equality by offering equal opportunities, advocating for diversity in the workplace, and empowering women engineers through mentorship programs, leadership initiatives, and networking events.
Role Models for Aspiring Professionals
Women engineers in cybersecurity serve as role models, inspiring and encouraging aspiring professionals to break down barriers and pursue their passion in a traditionally male-dominated industry. OPSWAT recognizes the importance of visibility and representation. Through our initiatives, we highlight the accomplishments of our women engineers, sharing their stories to inspire young minds and provide them with the confidence to embark on a cybersecurity career.
Join us in our mission to protect the world’s critical infrastructure and a more secure way of life. Visit the OPSWAT careers page to join our growing team:
