Free Online Workshop on Career Choices in the IT Industry

On September 13, 2025, Sisters of Code proudly hosted an online workshop on “Career Choices in the IT Industry”. This workshop was designed to inspire students to see IT as a real and exciting career path, while providing practical tips on how to start preparing today. This free workshop brought together 30 participants, both from high school and university, with inspiring role models and practical guidance to explore the world of technology

Why This Workshop Matters

As Cambodia’s first coding club for girls, Sisters of Code is on a mission to make technology education accessible to young women nationwide. Through programs like Sisters of Code Clubs Program, Sisters of Code Ambassador Program, and Sisters of Code Employment Skills Program, with the support of Liechtenstein Development Service (LED), the organization is breaking barriers and creating opportunities for girls to pursue careers in tech industries.

Meet the Speakers

The workshop featured three remarkable guest speakers, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives from their journey in technology, and serving as a role model for students, especially young women considering a career in IT:

• Somnang Vitheavy – CTO of SoulAdvisor, a global platform connecting users with trusted holistic health practitioners. With over 10 years of experience as a full-stack web developer, Vitheavy has built scalable, high-performance web applications and shared her story to inspire young women to pursue tech careers.

  
  

• Phen Phallideth – Cybersecurity Specialist in the government sector and lead trainer at Sisters of Code. Originally from rural Cambodia, Phallideth overcame cultural barriers and earned a British Council Women in STEM scholarship to complete her Master’s degree in the UK. She is passionate about empowering women in tech and fostering leadership and growth in female communities.

  
  

• Pann Sreyoun – Software Developer at Wiresk. Having studied software development at IT Academy STEP Cambodia Institute, Sreyoun believes coding is like poetry, with each line shaping a solution. She has developed strong skills as a full-stack developer and shared her journey to motivate students interested in software development.

  

  
  

Lessons and Inspiration from the Panel Discussion

The panelists shared honest and inspiring stories about their paths in the tech industry, offering both guidance and motivation for students:

• Finding Inspiration – Each speaker shared what motivated them to enter IT, from curiosity about problem-solving to mentorship and encouragement. Their stories demonstrated that passion and persistence can open doors in tech.

• The Path to Studying Tech – The panelists discussed choosing software development and how preparation through school, self-learning, and coding programs helped them succeed. They emphasized that IT skills build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, not just coding knowledge.

• Overcoming Challenges as Women in Tech – The panelists also shared their experience overcoming cultural barriers and stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of persistence and mentorship. The advice they give to young girls is to “Take the first step where you belong in tech, and your voice is matters.”

• Exploring Career Opportunities – Students learned about diverse roles in tech, including software engineering, cybersecurity, data analysis, and AI. The speakers highlighted the growing demand for digital skills and the exciting opportunities available to IT graduates.

• Practical Tips for Students – Panelists encouraged students to start small, join free programs, practice teamwork, and stay curious, emphasizing that continuous learning is key to thriving in a constantly evolving field.

  
  

Engaging Q&A Session

The panel concluded with a lively and interactive Q&A session, where students asked questions about study paths, career opportunities, and strategies to build confidence in tech. Students were eager to know how to choose IT specializations, start coding at a young age, and balance academics with skill-building. The speakers responded with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and motivational advice, making the session deeply personal and inspiring. Students left with a clear sense of direction, understanding real-world challenges and successes, and feeling empowered to take the next steps toward a career in technology.

Key Takeaways

• IT is for everyone: Passion, curiosity, and persistence matter more than background or experience.

• Start learning early: Join clubs, workshops, and free online programs to explore technology skills.

• Confidence grows with action: Overcome self-doubt by practicing, asking questions, and seeking mentors.

• Explore multiple paths: Technology offers diverse roles, including software development, cybersecurity, data analysis, AI, and digital innovation

• Dream big and take the first step: Action and initiative are the keys to turning curiosity into a real career in tech

We thank our speakers for their wisdom and inspiration, and we are grateful to all participants for their enthusiasm. Sisters of Code hopes this session has sparked curiosity, confidence, and determination, motivating young people to explore technology and pursue their dreams.