Career expert reveals which tech roles are most in-demand right now - and how women can break into them

The tech sector is evolving fast, and while demand for skilled talent continues to grow, many people still struggle to understand which roles offer long‑term career potential. For women in particular, the path can feel even less clear. 

Despite making up only 20% of tech roles in the UK1, women face additional barriers to entry. Research shows that 63% of women report feeling less confident when job seeking, particularly when facing complex or automated hiring processes, which can influence how and where they apply2. 

This is why knowing what tech roles are most in-demand are right now is vital, and how the right mindset, skills, and career approach can open long-term careers for women in a competitive industry.  

Which tech roles are most in-demand right now? 

The strongest demand is currently in data and AI, as organisations focus on establishing solid foundations before fully investing in AI solutions, with roles like data analysts and data governance specialists seeing particularly high interest. 

There's also a huge need for junior AI roles. Businesses want tech-savvy people who can grow with the technology, often in project-based or in-house positions like Project Management Officers. These roles allow women to gain experience across the business, even if engineering or development teams are outsourced. 

Other high-demand areas include software engineering, cloud, information security, and tech architecture. Many companies are actively creating pipelines into architecture roles, because junior entry points historically haven't existed. This is a great opportunity for women looking to build long-term careers in technical leadership. 

Highest-paying tech roles 

The roles with the strongest earning potential currently include data engineering, software development, cloud specialists, data scientists, and machine learning positions. 

Salary growth is fastest where skills are scarce and the business impact is high. If you're aiming for a high-earning trajectory, these areas offer clear progression opportunities - but it's not just about pay. 

Women entering tech should focus on gaining hands-on experience and building transferable skills that will let them pivot into different specialisms as technology evolves. 

Five ways women can break into in-demand tech roles 

Building a successful career in tech isn't about having all the skills from day one - it's about curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. 

Tech careers aren't linear - senior professionals all took different paths, so early-career women need to be open-minded about where their journey could lead. Learning the core capabilities and concepts is far more important than mastering every tool immediately, and your attitude will define your journey. 

My top tips include: 

1. Build foundational skills 

Understanding the principles behind data, AI, software, and cloud, gives you a framework to grow. Focus on learning how systems work and developing problem-solving skills - the technical tools can be learned along the way. 

2. Gain practical experience 

Internships, project-based work, or volunteering in tech initiatives provide invaluable exposure. Even small, self-directed projects help build confidence and demonstrate capability to employers. 

3. Leverage mentoring and communities 

Mentorship helps you navigate the tech industry and progression routes. Joining women-in-tech networks like UNBOUND or engaging with online communities can also give support, guidance, and visibility. 

4. Be open-minded about career pathways 

Don't feel constrained by traditional roles. Some women may start in project management before pivoting into data or AI. Others might explore cloud or software roles before moving into architecture or leadership. Early flexibility creates long-term opportunities. 

5. Build confidence, resilience, and experience 

While entering the tech industry might feel intimidating, putting yourself forward, asking questions, and applying to training programmes will all help you to grow. At La Fosse's Academy, we see many women looking to change roles or gain further experience in the industry, and simply taking the leap into these new settings can build confidence in itself. 

Filling that skills gap in a supportive environment is vital for progress, or even just a fresh start. 

Putting it into practice 

Breaking into tech as a woman requires curiosity, adaptability, and persistence. Start with strong foundations, gain practical experience, find mentors, stay open to different paths, and focus on building confidence. Tech is changing constantly, and this is the perfect time for women to step in and shape their careers.