#Japan #AI Skills #Shibuya, Tokyo #WAKE Career #Women Engineers

Introduction

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, women engineers are often underrepresented in higher management roles, particularly in project management (PM). WAKE Career has announced the launch of the "High-Class Academy," a practical course commencing in mid-February 2025, designed to empower women engineers by enhancing their PM skills through the integration of generative AI. This initiative aims not only to address the gender gap in the IT industry but also to redefine the role of technical professionals in an AI-driven era.

Why "AI x Upstream Processes" is Essential Now

As the engineering landscape changes dramatically due to emerging AI technologies, the skill set required for engineers is also shifting. AI can now efficiently write code, allowing human professionals to focus on defining business requirements and directly contributing to growth. However, a concerning trend shows that gender disparities in the use and training of AI are increasing. Recent studies reveal that women utilize generative AI 10 to 20 percentage points less than men, and training opportunities in AI are less accessible for women.

Many skilled women engineers face psychological barriers, such as the belief that they must achieve perfection to succeed in leadership roles. The course aims to equip them with a framework for PM thinking, using AI as a powerful tool for their career advancement into upstream processes.

Overcoming Structural Biases in Technology

WAKE Career has supported numerous female IT professionals and recognized the issues surrounding the undervaluation of their skills in PM and upstream processes. This problem stems from the structural difficulty in objectively measuring soft skills like consensus-building and decision-making, which are crucial in upstream work, unlike technical skills that yield visible results.

We've resolved to provide comprehensive support, from skills assessment to practical thinking training through AI. By viewing AI as an extension tool for thinking, we aim to create an environment where essential skills can shine, regardless of experience or self-confidence.

Overview of the WAKE Career High-Class Academy

The High-Class Academy will serve as a practical program that uses AI not only for efficiency but as a pivotal tool for executing upstream processes. Below are the highlights of the program:

1. Upgrade Practical Experience through AI
Leveraging engineering backgrounds for PM tasks requires translating technical expertise into business value. Participants will learn to use AI to enhance their knowledge of best practices and frameworks, broadening their PM perspectives.

2. Gender Innovation in PM: Understanding Risks of Perspective Gaps
By reviewing global examples of gender innovation, participants will learn how diversity impacts product quality, safety, and value. In addition, they will confront biases that often limit women's self-efficacy and how to leverage AI to reclaim their perspectives.

3. Using AI for Skills Assessment and Goal Setting
Through AI, participants will conduct a detailed assessment of their current skillsets, analyze the gaps in required PM competencies, and create a personalized and rational growth roadmap for their careers.

Outcomes of the Academy

By the end of the program, participants will possess PM skills that enable them to guide upstream processes confidently. Here’s what they will achieve:

1. Decisive PM Roles
Graduates can lead requirement definitions and specifications, advancing decisions as technically proficient PMs.

2. Product Management Perspectives
Understanding technicalities will empower them to articulate what products to create and why, combining critical business insights with technical constraints.

3. Career Flexibility
With tools to express their unique strengths, graduates can strategically navigate job promotions, lateral moves, or freelance opportunities in IT.

Course Structure

The course comprises eight sessions, typically held online with some in-person workshops:

• - Phase 1: Skills Assessment and PM Mindset
• - Phase 2: Practical PM Skills and AI Application
• - Phase 3: Application to Real-World Situations

Enrollment Information

• - Course Name: WAKE Career High-Class Academy
• - Start Date: Mid-February 2025
• - Capacity: 30 participants

Prospective students can check the detailed curriculum and apply through the following link: WAKE Career Academy

Free Webinar Invitation

For those interested in experiencing the course essence first-hand, WAKE Career is hosting a free webinar on January 15th. Participants will gain insights on how to effectively leverage AI for project management, learn about necessary perspectives for upstream processes, and outline clear steps to advance their careers in technology.

About WAKE Career

WAKE Career, operated by bgrass Corporation, is dedicated to supporting IT career development for women, aiming to eliminate the gender gap in the IT sector through mentorship, community engagement, and targeted training programs.

About bgrass Corporation

Founded to create a bias-free world where everyone's aspirations can be pursued without limitation, bgrass Corporation is committed to both supporting women in tech and advocating for structural changes within the industry.

For more information, please contact:
Email: [email protected]