In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re sharing the following interview with CyberProof’s Director of Platform Development Alina Moshkovich. This interview was first published in the magazine People & Computers. You can read the full text here.
What brought you to the field of technology?
From the first time I was exposed to this field in school, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Solving complex logical problems has always intrigued me, and mathematics was my favorite subject until I was introduced to programming languages. I have highly developed analytical thinking and broad systemic vision.
Do you think that women face discrimination in the industry?
The high-tech industry is one of most progressive industries, including in the sphere of gender equality. Dialogue is very respectful and egalitarian, with zero tolerance for objectification or inappropriate conduct towards women. Nevertheless, despite the progress female representation remains very low and women's salaries are still lower than those of men. However, the problem does not stem from the industry itself, but from the girls' education at young ages. Traditionally girls are not steered towards math and science subjects and they see themselves as less suited to the technological field and to the perceived longer working hours. Regarding salaries, women are perhaps less assertive and demand less, which explains some of the wage gaps.
Female representation remains very low and women's salaries are still lower than those of men. However, the problem does not stem from the industry itself, but from the girls' education at young ages.
As a manager I endeavor to build a team comprised of an equal number of men and women, but unfortunately, I receive far fewer resumes from women, and therefore cannot build a balanced team.
As a manager I endeavor to build a team comprised of an equal number of men and women, but unfortunately, I receive far fewer resumes from women, and therefore cannot build a balanced team.
Have you ever personally encountered discrimination in the industry because of being a woman?
I don't think so. I was always respected by colleagues based on my abilities, and my salary is competitive. There were times, however, when I felt that I had to assert my position more forcefully, and that a man in my place would not have had to do so. I often find myself in situations where I am the only woman in the discussion, and in some cases there have been expectations that I would take notes and handle post-meeting communications, so I have had to remind those around me that I am the Director of Platform Development and not anyone's secretary!
In some cases there have been expectations that I would take notes and handle post-meeting communications, so I have had to remind those around me that I am the Director of Platform Development and not anyone's secretary.
As cybersecurity is such a fast-growing field, there are many opportunities to pursue a successful career. If you’re interested in learning more about the current openings at CyberProof, check out our Careers page.
