* [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog)
* [Palo Alto Networks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/corporate/)
* [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/category/company-culture/)
* Finding My Way as a Woman...

# Finding My Way as a Woman in the Tech Industry

[](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com.au%2Fblog%2F2019%2F04%2Ffinding-my-way-as-a-woman-in-the-tech-industry%2F)  
[](https://twitter.com/share?text=Finding+My+Way+as+a+Woman+in+the+Tech+Industry&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com.au%2Fblog%2F2019%2F04%2Ffinding-my-way-as-a-woman-in-the-tech-industry%2F)  
[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paloaltonetworks.com.au%2Fblog%2F2019%2F04%2Ffinding-my-way-as-a-woman-in-the-tech-industry%2F&title=Finding+My+Way+as+a+Woman+in+the+Tech+Industry&summary=&source=)  
[](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com//www.reddit.com/submit?url=https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2019/04/finding-my-way-as-a-woman-in-the-tech-industry/&ts=markdown)  
\[\](mailto:?subject=Finding My Way as a Woman in the Tech Industry)  
Link copied  
By [Manija Poulatova](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/author/manija-poulatova/?ts=markdown "Posts by Manija Poulatova")  
Apr 17, 2019  
5 minutes  
[Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown)  
[Diversity Unscripted](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/diversity-unscripted/?ts=markdown)  
[Women In Tech](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/women-in-tech/?ts=markdown)

This post is also available in: [日本語 (Japanese)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2019/05/finding-my-way-as-a-woman-in-the-tech-industry/?lang=ja "Switch to Japanese(日本語)")

*This post has been adapted from ["My Career in Cybersecurity: Finding My Way As a Woman"](https://medium.com/diversity-unscripted/my-career-in-cybersecurity-finding-my-way-as-a-woman-29c82fd530f8) by Manija Poulatova, a N* *ew York-based lead channel sales engineer with Palo Alto Networks.*

![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Manija-P_2-500x625.jpg)

Breaking into the technology industry was not easy for someone who grew up in Tajikistan, a country where women had very well-defined roles. We were expected to be good wives, mothers and daughters. We were expected to mind the house, keep it clean and cook for our families. There was no expectation or support for a woman to have a career and achieve financial independence.

When I chose to pursue my bachelor's degree in computer engineering, I didn't realize what a challenge it would be. There were 7-10 women among 300 students in my class. I recall my professors telling me that I should change my major as computer engineering was not a profession for women, reflecting the attitudes of a traditional patriarchal society. As I approached my graduation, the majority of my female classmates dropped out of the program. Everyone around me would ask, "What's wrong with you? You should've been a boy." If anything, this attitude further drove me to finish my degree in engineering.

My determination to break barriers and my study of technology molded me into being rational and logical. Yet, even so, entering the workforce presented obstacles I did not expect, including the fear of being inadequate. I felt, at times, that when I did sit for interviews, I wasn't what the recruiter expected. I didn't fit the mold. There were other times when I felt trepidation in simply applying for jobs, fear that I wasn't qualified if I didn't meet every criteria listed on a job posting. I read an article later on in my life that I wasn't alone in this feeling. [It's a fairly common fear in women.](https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified)

Despite all of my fears, as someone who has always loved math and computers, technology was my connection, my outlet and my path to a better life. Learning about it built my confidence, my sense of self-identity and my independence. This is something that I always keep with me and regularly acknowledge to myself. Breaking into the technology industry took patience and perseverance when facing my fears. For any woman feeling intimidated or questioning a career in tech, here is some advice:

![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Manija-P_3-500x667.jpg)

1. **Don't be afraid to speak up**. Start small. Early in my career, I tended to be quiet in meetings, as I was afraid to say something that might not be correct. I started to surround myself with great people who taught me how to speak up. They showed me that being a woman brings a different perspective to the table, and that perspective is valuable, as diverse viewpoints are better than narrow ones.
2. **Find a mentor.** Find someone you can talk to, whom you can trust, with whom you can collaborate, discuss concerns and celebrate successes. You can find mentors at events across the country, and more specifically, some of the more recent Women in Security or Women in the Channel events. These semi-formal sessions are filled with women and men who are there to provide guidance, friendship and mentorship as you navigate the industry.
3. **Practice interviewing**. There's nothing like the reassurance of an interview to help you sharpen your skills. Go through the entire process, do your homework on the organization you're applying to, and sit face-to-face with the interviewer and learn their methods, techniques and questions. Even if you don't land the job, it prepares you for the next interview.
4. **Read** . When I say read, I mean *really* read. Take an hour or two a day to read a book. It could be sales aligned. It could be a technical book. It could be a book on social engineering. You exercise your mind when you read, and it sharpens your skills. If your preference is to read online, brush up on your skills on [Udemy](https://www.udemy.com/) (an online learning platform), spend time reading posted articles on LinkedIn, or simply visit different manufactures or partner websites and read some of the datasheets or guides they have published. One great resource library for the cybersecurity industry is the books listed in the [Cybersecurity Canon.](https://cybercanon.paloaltonetworks.com/)

![](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Manija-P_4-500x667.jpg)The tech industry has changed a lot over the last few years. New regional meetups focused on mentorship of women have sprung up. Technology companies in Silicon Valley and across the nation have started to review their policies and begun training their employees on removing some of the bias against women engineers. Organizations like Palo Alto Networks have led the charge with their [Girl Scouts Cybersecurity badges](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/press/2017/palo-alto-networks-and-girl-scouts-of-the-usa-announce-collaboration-for-first-ever-national-cybersecurity-badges), internal promotion methodology, and support of industry sessions like Women of the Channel and Women in Security. Individuals like [Isis Anchalee](https://medium.com/@isisAnchalee) helped start the #ilooklikeanengineer movement after experiencing the same challenges I've faced. Much has changed. But there's still work to be done.

We still have many miles to go, but the path has been laid in front of us due to all the hard work from so many women, so far; and it's, in part, a matter of believing we can and continue to effect the change we want. Today, I believe in myself, and I have people who believe in me. I have colleagues who make me better and challenge me. I'm a mother who wants a different path for my daughter. I want my daughter to be brave. I want her to be who she wants to be. I want the same for her that I want for every woman in technology: an opportunity.

*For more perspectives on diversity in the technology industry, check out the [Diversity Unscripted](https://medium.com/diversity-unscripted) blog from Palo Alto Networks.*

*** ** * ** ***

## Related Blogs

### [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/partners/?ts=markdown), [Points of View](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/points-of-view/?ts=markdown)

[#### Lessons on Career Growth with AT\&T Cybersecurity CMO, Jill Sanders](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2023/03/att-cybersecurity-cmo-jill-sanders/)

### [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Interview](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/interview/?ts=markdown), [Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/partners/?ts=markdown), [Points of View](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/points-of-view/?ts=markdown)

[#### Finding Your Grit with Deloitte's Deborah Golden](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2023/03/deloittes-deborah-golden/)

### [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Customer Spotlight](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/customer-spotlight/?ts=markdown), [Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/partners/?ts=markdown)

[#### Value Exchange in Cybersecurity](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2025/08/value-exchange-in-cybersecurity/)

### [Announcement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/announcement/?ts=markdown), [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/partners/?ts=markdown)

[#### Palo Alto Networks: Champion in Two Canalys Global Leadership Matrices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2025/05/champion-two-canalys-global-leadership-matrices/)

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown), [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Unit 42](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/unit42/?ts=markdown)

[#### DeepSeek's Rise Shows AI Security Remains a Moving Target](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2025/01/deepseek-rise-shows-ai-security-remains-moving-target/)

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown), [Company \& Culture](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/company-culture/?ts=markdown), [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/category/next-generation-firewalls/?ts=markdown), [Points of View](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/points-of-view/?ts=markdown), [Predictions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/predictions/?ts=markdown)

[#### 8 Trends Reshaping Network Security in 2025](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/2024/12/8-trends-network-security-in-2025/)

### Subscribe to the Blog!

Sign up to receive must-read articles, Playbooks of the Week, new feature announcements, and more.
![spinner](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.au/blog/wp-content/themes/panwblog2023/dist/images/ajax-loader.gif) Sign up  
Please enter a valid email.  
By submitting this form, you agree to our [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown) and acknowledge our [Privacy Statement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown). Please look for a confirmation email from us. If you don't receive it in the next 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.  
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.  
{#footer} {#footer}

## Products and Services

* [AI-Powered Network Security Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security?ts=markdown)

* [Secure AI by Design](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/precision-ai-security/secure-ai-by-design?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security?ts=markdown)

* [AI Access Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/ai-access-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Delivered Security Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/security-subscriptions?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced Threat Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-threat-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced URL Filtering](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-url-filtering?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced WildFire](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-wildfire?ts=markdown)

* [Advanced DNS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/advanced-dns-security?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise Data Loss Prevention](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/enterprise-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [Medical IoT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [Industrial OT Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/medical-device-security?ts=markdown)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)

* [Next-Generation Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/next-generation-firewall?ts=markdown)

* [Hardware Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/hardware-firewall-innovations?ts=markdown)

* [Software Firewalls](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/software-firewalls?ts=markdown)

* [Strata Cloud Manager](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/strata-cloud-manager?ts=markdown)

* [SD-WAN for NGFW](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/sd-wan-subscription?ts=markdown)

* [PAN-OS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/pan-os?ts=markdown)

* [Panorama](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/network-security/panorama?ts=markdown)

* [Secure Access Service Edge](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma SASE](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase?ts=markdown)

* [Application Acceleration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/app-acceleration?ts=markdown)

* [Autonomous Digital Experience Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/adem?ts=markdown)

* [Enterprise DLP](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/enterprise-data-loss-prevention?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Access](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/access?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Browser](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/prisma-browser?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma SD-WAN](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/sd-wan?ts=markdown)

* [Remote Browser Isolation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/remote-browser-isolation?ts=markdown)

* [SaaS Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sase/saas-security?ts=markdown)

* [AI-Driven Security Operations Platform](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/application-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Posture Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/cloud-posture-security?ts=markdown)

* [Cloud Runtime Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cloud/runtime-security?ts=markdown)

* [Prisma Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/cloud?ts=markdown)

* [AI-Driven SOC](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xdr?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex XSOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xsoar?ts=markdown)

* [Cortex Xpanse](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/cortex-xpanse?ts=markdown)

* [Unit 42 Managed Detection \& Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-detection-and-response?ts=markdown)

* [Managed XSIAM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex/managed-xsiam?ts=markdown)

* [Threat Intel and Incident Response Services](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42?ts=markdown)

* [Proactive Assessments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/assess?ts=markdown)

* [Incident Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/respond?ts=markdown)

* [Transform Your Security Strategy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/transform?ts=markdown)

* [Discover Threat Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/unit42/threat-intelligence-partners?ts=markdown)

## Company

* [About Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us?ts=markdown)
* [Careers](https://jobs.paloaltonetworks.com/en/)
* [Contact Us](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/contact-sales?ts=markdown)
* [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/corporate-responsibility?ts=markdown)
* [Customers](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/customers?ts=markdown)
* [Investor Relations](https://investors.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Location](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/about-us/locations?ts=markdown)
* [Newsroom](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/company/newsroom?ts=markdown)

## Popular Links

* [Blog](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/?ts=markdown)
* [Communities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/communities?ts=markdown)
* [Content Library](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources?ts=markdown)
* [Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown)
* [Event Center](https://events.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Manage Email Preferences](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/preference-center)
* [Products A-Z](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/products/products-a-z?ts=markdown)
* [Product Certifications](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center/compliance?ts=markdown)
* [Report a Vulnerability](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/security-disclosure?ts=markdown)
* [Sitemap](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/sitemap?ts=markdown)
* [Tech Docs](https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Unit 42](https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/)
* [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](https://panwedd.exterro.net/portal/dsar.htm?target=panwedd)
  ![PAN logo](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/pan-logo-dark.svg)
* [Privacy](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/privacy?ts=markdown)
* [Trust Center](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/trust-center?ts=markdown)
* [Terms of Use](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal-notices/terms-of-use?ts=markdown)
* [Documents](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/legal?ts=markdown)

Copyright © 2026 Palo Alto Networks. All Rights Reserved

* [![Youtube](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/youtube-black.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/paloaltonetworks)
* [![Podcast](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/images/icons/podcast.svg)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/podcasts/threat-vector?ts=markdown)
* [![Facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/facebook-black.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/PaloAltoNetworks/)
* [![LinkedIn](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/linkedin-black.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/palo-alto-networks)
* [![Twitter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/social/twitter-x-black.svg)](https://twitter.com/PaloAltoNtwks)
* EN  
  Select your language