Fidelity tech careers are a win for women—and how to land a job

We need representation across the board.

The state of women in tech today

Technology, like finance, has historically been male-dominated. The issue is that unlike finance, where women have made strides representing more than 50% of entry-level roles, women remain underrepresented in tech, holding just 35% of tech jobs. What’s more, women leave tech roles at a 45% higher rate than men leave them.

When so much of life, work, and socializing has moved online, it’s critical that diverse voices have a seat at the table. “Diversity is critical for driving creativity and addressing complex challenges,” said Amanda, a senior software engineer at Fidelity. “We need representation across the board,” said Kristen, a scrum master. A diversity of thought can lead to new ways of solving problems. Unique points of view foster innovation.

Representation starts in the design process. “The design process needs diverse perspectives to create more user-centered products for broader customer bases,” said Renee, an associate full stack software engineer. “It’s readily apparent to the user if their needs were not considered, and it won’t be an ideal product for them.” When Fidelity can serve more kinds of people better, it’s easier to boost the company’s profitability and attract and retain talent. “A more inclusive workforce enhances a company’s ability to succeed in a competitive market,” said Renee.

Why diversity and women matter in fintech and at Fidelity

“The financial services industry is one of the largest industries in the world based on capital and consumer revenue,” said Renee. As more women invest and grow their economic power, Fidelity needs more products and services to serve their unique needs. “We need representatives at all levels in the fintech industry,” said Kristen. “Having more women in fintech means having more of a voice at the table where creative thinking and problem-solving is valued and rewarded.”

Financial services offer an enormous number of opportunities to lead and make a meaningful impact.

Working as a woman in tech at Fidelity isn’t about writing run-of-the-mill code. It’s about making an impact. You’ll bolster your career while helping close the gender-representation gap and helping real women overcome real financial problems. Here’s how:

• Personal growth: “Fidelity wants you to grow, and that’s really advocated,” said Amanda. You’ll have the benefits and services you need to take care of yourself (body, mind, and spirit) as well as your family. Here, 60-hour weeks aren’t the norm; they’re the exception. When you get your work done, we support your need for balance.
• Professional growth: “The work is engaging and intellectually stimulating,” said Amanda. You’ll have the chance to stretch yourself and your skills in a supportive environment. “There are a lot of ways to challenge yourself in fintech because you combine both the finance side and the technical side of the business,” said Kristen. You’ll always be learning and moving forward to a promotion, career change, or career stability.
• Social growth: “Financial services offer an enormous number of opportunities to lead and make a meaningful impact,” said Amanda. At Fidelity, you’re part of a mission-driven team working to empower people like other women to achieve their financial dreams.

Why women in tech love working at Fidelity

Working in tech at Fidelity is different from working in big tech. Here’s how.

1. Fidelity creates an inclusive workplace to increase diversity in tech jobs.

Fidelity welcomes people of all genders, races, and abilities. We care about our associates and want to foster teamwork, collaboration, equity, and cohesion. “I feel very supported as a woman in this industry,” said Renee. “Everyone’s always willing to help.” “Fidelity does a great job of mixing women within teams,” said Amanda.

Fidelity is dedicated to growing diversity across the organization. In 2023, our tech departments had 59% ethnic diversity, and 26% of tech associates are women. As a woman-run company, we’re committed to boosting these trends in diversifying our associates and leadership. “Women in leadership serve as role models and encourage other women to stay and grow within the company.” As research shows, the more diverse a company is, the more successful it is.

2. Fidelity is a stable, private company, which is ideal for women in tech

Fidelity remains a well-respected, financially stable company. We’re transparent with each other and hold ourselves accountable, adhering to ethical and compliance standards. We’re well positioned to thrive during bull and bear cycles with a robust mix of revenue-generating businesses.

We have crafted our business to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles common at other tech firms. As a nearly 80-year-old company, we’ve withstood the test of time. We have a history of resilience but at the same time we focus on the future. This makes Fidelity an ideal employer for women in tech who want the assurance of stability with the promise of opportunity.

3. Fidelity offers women in tech the chance to tackle real-world problems that matter.

You’ll work on projects that have a real and tangible impact on our customers and society and that help solve problems. “Working in financial service is a valuable opportunity for those who want to become involved in work at a global scale and that has a direct impact on society,” said Renee. “Your work has a direct impact. I created a brokerage application, and now my mom, who has a Fidelity retirement account, uses it.”

Fidelity Labs, for example, is an incubator for fintech products and services. We’re helping consumers and advisors save more money, invest in companies they believe in, tackle debt, and more.

When you work in tech at Fidelity, you have a direct and positive effect on the lives of customers. You also have ownership in your projects, seeing them through from start to finish. You help us balance privacy and compliance with cutting-edge technology and an innovative, forward-thinking mindset.

4. Fidelity careers give women in tech exceptional benefits and a great workplace

Fidelity is known for its generous employee benefits that include:

• Paid time off (23 days to start, up to 33 days per year)
• Retirement investing (up to a 7% match)
• Top-notch medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage, including women’s preventive medicines
• Student loan assistance (up to $15,000 for full-time employees)
• Mental health services (12 free sessions per year)
• Family and caregiving benefits (up to 16 weeks of parental leave)
• And more

We designed our locations to support employees’ health and well-being. Many offices offer onsite fitness facilities and some even include on-site medical services. The environment is designed to be flexible and collaborative. Open-space layouts make it easy to connect with colleagues, while private spaces give you time to focus. Small, yet thoughtful, details like healthy snacks from women-owned businesses in some locations show Fidelity’s commitment to an inclusive environment in action.

5. Fidelity tech jobs foster a fast-paced but supportive culture.

At Fidelity, you’ll have a chance to work on challenging projects with the guidance and support of your team and leaders. This noncompetitive atmosphere means you’ll be able to take risks without fear of failure because your management team will help you feel seen and understood so you can tackle the challenge together. “When I interviewed, I remember getting a vibe where I was like, I just need to work here,” said Amanda. Learn more about our culture here.

At Fidelity, we know that work is only one part of your life. We want you to prioritize your world outside Fidelity without sacrificing your career goals or opportunities. We don’t want to burn people out; in fact, we want you to flourish. That’s why we’re so focused on flexibility and balance. “Fidelity supports us at every stage of our career and tries to empower us to thrive at work and at home,” said Amanda.

6. Fidelity gives women in tech career growth, advancement, and mobility

Fidelity tech jobs offer women a wide range of roles in a dynamic industry, starting with their early work experiences. Our entry-level programs like LEAP help women get hands-on experience while they are still in school or recent graduates, with the opportunity to join us full-time after completing the program.

Training begins on day one and doesn’t stop. “Fidelity really does give the space for us to learn and grow in our role,” said Amanda. Fidelity tech associates have designated Learning Days, which are free of meetings so team members can develop new skills based on team requirements or their personal interests. “Not only does this benefit me personally, but I’m able to better support my team and our initiatives through that,” said Renee. Associates can tap into our extensive library of courses. Ad hoc hack-a-thons, seminars, and networking opportunities help you stay up to date on your technical, business, and interpersonal skills.

Mentorship and coaching start at the beginning of your Fidelity journey. “When you first join, your hiring manager will pair you with someone on your Fidelity team to act as a mentor,” said Renee. Mentorship goes both ways. Just as you’ll have chances to be mentored, you’ll also get to mentor others. As Amanda said, “Mentors and your new network are crucial and the best. You’ll meet amazing people, and they’re here to support and encourage you on your career journey.” Mentorship and ongoing training help you grow in your career, achieve the next milestone as a leader, and, if you want, change paths. At Fidelity, you’re never stuck in a role. Our Career Center can help you explore new avenues and understand what it will take to make the change. At Fidelity, you get a clear path to professional development, can grow your future earning potential, and have career stability for a long and successful tenure as an associate.

7. Fidelity gives women in tech a sense of community and belonging.

Fidelity’s employee-run engagement groups mean you can connect with associates outside your team to learn new skills and extend your network. Here are a few you might be interested in.

Women’s Leadership Group is dedicated to the needs of Fidelity businesswomen looking to develop professionally and personally through networking, leadership programs, and volunteer opportunities. It helps women empower each other and Fidelity to succeed in achieving their goals.

Women in Technology Special Interest Group creates, cultivates, and coordinates a thriving community of women in Fidelity’s technology organizations along with their allies.

Fidelity supports us at every stage of our career and tries to empower us to thrive at work and at home.

How to find your Fidelity with a career in tech

Here are some top tips from our associates for landing a Fidelity tech job.

1. Remember, your technical skills can come from anywhere—a college degree, a bootcamp program, an internship, or even being self-taught.
2. Be confident and recognize you probably won’t have 100% of the skills listed on a job description. “It can be intimidating to work in technology or financial services because they are male-dominated fields, but it’s important, as women, that we advocate for ourselves and show that we can do it,” said Amanda. “Leave all the self-doubt at the door. Don’t let it hold you back from applying f your desired role at Fidelity.”
3. Showcase your passion for learning. “I think the most promising candidates are those who are open to continuous learning and who grow beyond the current job description,” said Renee. Explain that you’re applying for the role to learn. “In my interview, I didn’t get one of my questions right, but I explained I was there to learn, and I wanted this opportunity,” said Amanda. “Be yourself and do the best you can do.”
4. Focus on your nontechnical skills too. “People forget about the communication side of the role. It doesn’t matter if you can code a really complex problem if you can’t explain it to people who don’t code,” said Kristen. Explain how you can present to groups, how you can simplify complexity, or how you can lead teams to a common goal. Use examples outside work like group projects, a sports team, or club activities.
5. Reach out to people you know or who currently work at Fidelity in a role or department you’re interested in. Ask your existing network to help connect you to current or former associates. Reach out to people on LinkedIn and ask for an informational interview.
6. Join our talent network. As Renee said, “If you have a genuine interest in the role and believe you can bring value to the organization, it never hurts to try. So just apply.”

*The student-loan contribution is available to associates who are in certain roles and who meet performance requirements.