I love the tech industry. I fell in love with it around the beginning of my junior year and I can’t tell you exactly why, because there are so many things that frustrate me about it (enough to write a thesis on… literally). But there’s something incredibly exciting about how fast it moves, how quickly companies compete with each other, how determined designers and developers are to create the best product, and how dedicated every single person in the company is to the organization and the products. You live and die with the organization’s successes and failures, particularly in startups. I’m sure it’s beyond exhausting, but it’s also thrilling, and I can’t wait to officially be a part of it.

Instead of saving up to buy “business casual” pencil skirts that I hate and heels that will ensure that I’m limping by the end of the day, I get to roll up to the office in my jeans and sandals. Sure, I might be staring at my computer for most of the day, but I’ll probably be sitting on a yoga ball or laying on a couch while I do it. I’m not worried about missing my friend’s wedding, my cousin’s graduation, or quality time with my family because many tech companies have unlimited vacation time. I will be surrounded by intelligent people who are as eager to learn about my background in cognitive psych and feminist studies as they are to teach me about JavaScript syntax. I’ve loved college because I’m constantly pushed to be better, and I think I’ll find the same inspiration during my career in the tech industry.

I’m telling you all of this partially because I’m so excited to be part of this industry, but also because I know that not everyone gets to look forward to these perks after graduation. The tech industry could open up amazing opportunities for people who often experience oppression in the workplace. This oppression comes in many forms, such as lacking equal maternity and paternity leave, health care benefits for same-sex partners, disability accommodations, transportation and relocation assistance, and other seemingly basic policies that could ensure an inclusive and welcoming culture.

Part of why I love the tech industry is because it’s perfectly poised to alleviate and/or eradicate these workplace oppressions. There’s unlimited vacation which creates some accommodations for people with disabilities as well as provides both maternity and paternity leave. Most tech companies have health care plans that cover partners and families. Many tech companies provide transportation or financial assistance for commuters. Finally, tech companies often focus on having a fun and exciting company culture where everyone feels welcome.

The tech industry could represent an opportunity for a successful career to people who may not have that chance in other industries because of biases related to their race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability, etc. Nevertheless, despite having the potential to transform the future of businesses into a place for equal representation, the tech industry is anything but diverse. The tech industry tends to hire people that look like they “fit” in the industry, and that often means they look like the majority of people within the industry: straight, white men. We need to start actively working to change this because, frankly, it’s the right thing to do. I’m sick of having to say “It’s good for your business” or “You’ll make more money” or “You’ll have better products.” YOU WILL. But that’s not the reason to do it.

I expect a lot more from the industry that has inspired me for over a year and a half. I can’t be one of the only people who would be excited to wear jeans to work or doesn’t want to worry about traveling to see her family. So many people are being denied opportunities to be a part of this exciting industry because they don’t “look the part.” Consequently, the tech industry is missing out on amazing talent. It’s time to address this. It shouldn’t be a part of “Next Year’s Goals” or in a small, hidden subsection in companies’ mission statements. It needs to be big, audacious, and have some flashing lights. Also, it needs to happen now.

And I have some ideas…

(To be continued in Part II.)