The author asked not to be named, and she develops models at Toga Networks, Huawei’s research and development center in Israel
As a child, I did not dream of high-tech. It was another word that didn’t mean much to me, seemingly unrelated to me or my world. I am an ultra-Orthodox Lithuanian from Bnei Brak, the second of 12 children, and neither my family nor my immediate surroundings were involved in the field. If a few years ago they would have asked what I would do when I grow up, I would have answered that I would follow the path of my mother who works in marketing. However, when I grew up, I felt that I had no desire to market and sell, my heart was not there. I wanted something, and I didn’t know what it was. All I knew was that I wanted to realize and express myself.
Surprisingly, the process started during my seminary studies. Kama-Tech, an organization that helps to bridge technological gaps of the ultra-orthodox population, integrated its program into the seminar studies and provided practical training for entering leading hi-tech companies free of charge. For the first time I delved into a subject that I probably would not have been exposed to in any other way: the integration within the seminar, under the familiar conditions probably made the difference for me and opened up a new world for me.
What about the employer? The unique advantage here was that the program was “tailored” in collaboration with the high-tech companies according to defined and specific needs. This is a critical point, because in fact in no other way would the connection between the companies and the ultra-Orthodox female students have been created. Systems that automatically scan resumes by keywords look for very specific things in terms of experience and academic training, and that’s where it ends in most cases. A study program that is built in cooperation between the industry and the training organization creates a win-win situation for everyone.
No one gave up on us
And here it is important to emphasize, I worked very hard. No one gave up on us or went towards us. There are requirements and conditions, and I think the key to the integration of ultra-Orthodox and other ultra-Orthodox in the industry lies in three principles: practical and precise training, motivation and curiosity to learn, and openness and desire for diversity on the part of the employer. This leads to the second thing that happened in my life and that is that I was lucky to find a job that exactly answered my dream, the toga networks Huawei company that examined my candidacy in a matter-of-fact manner, agreed to adapt itself to my needs.
bust myths
In order to strengthen and increase the tremendous potential that is beginning to be revealed, it is necessary to shatter some of the myths and stereotypes that exist, with a common understanding that there is tremendous value for the employer, for us ultra-Orthodox, and ultimately for the entire economy. The existing stigmas cause fear that it will be difficult to adapt or communicate during work, but this is far from reality. It’s true, I don’t reveal my full name, because the issue of modesty is still on the agenda and disclosure is not part of the culture I live in, social formation days are less suitable for me, I’m less connected to trips or flashy events, and I need some conditions adapted to the culture and society I come from.
I know what added value I bring to the table, and for some of the adjustments I need, I have discovered that there are sometimes quite a few practical benefits as well. For example, since I have a content filter installed at my request, I cannot surf the Internet or social networks. I feel that I have a significant advantage in quality, focused work without interruptions.
I call girls who are thinking of learning the profession: don’t give up. You have the tools and with investment and hard work you will succeed. The more of us there are, the more companies will open their doors and discover the potential that lies in it. And I say to employers, there is an opportunity to win dedicated, motivated, goal-oriented workers who bring a unique point of view. The entire economy benefits from long-term employment and growth rates. This is the surest way to guarantee the future of the Startup Nation to continue developing creative solutions like never before.