Today women make up only 26% of the computing workforce in the United States, 3% of whom are African-American, 4% are Asian, and 1% are Hispanic (By The Numbers, 2012).

Companies nationwide are working to change these statistics—hosting tech conferences geared towards women and actively recruiting minority graduates. Ultimately what will close the gender gap in technology is knowledge—knowledge that women are not only capable when it comes to technology, they are gutsy.

If you’re a woman reading this, here are four steps you can take to help close the gender gap in technology.

1. Stop making excuses.
Too old, too young, too busy…there are many excuses for why women avoid technology. Some claim ignorance as their identity, stating things like “I’m not a computer person,” or “I am technology cursed.”

Truth is, if you tell yourself something enough, you are creating an obstacle that prevents you from succeeding. Psychologists call it “self-handicapping.”

Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo!, knows how intimidating new pursuits can be and encourages women to push through any initial fears. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.”

2. Get some hands-on experience.
A lucrative computing career begins with training. North Lake College offers information technology classes taught by industry experts. From programming to web design, trying out a class is the best way to see if a certain career path is a good fit for you. As the saying goes, you will never know until you try.

3. Network.
The largest tech conference for women is the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. In 2013, the conference drew in 4,750 attendees from 53 countries. Explore what technology conferences are coming to your city, then take time to go listen to some of the presenters and explore the hiring organizations. Hearing from those in the industry will give you a firsthand view of what it’s like to work in tech.

4. Find inspiration.
Success begins with inspiration. Something or someone motivating you to learn more, dream more, and become more. Here are a few ladies who have made lasting contributions to advancing technology. Research their career paths, achievements and values. Do their stories speak to you?

To learn about the technology programs offered by North Lake College, click here.