In this Guest Article, lead Engineer Stasja Stanisic from Phasecraft discusses how more women can enter the Quantum Tech world and the quantum industry.
Want to get into quantum? Embrace learning communities and don’t worry about not having a PhD
I couldn’t imagine working in any industry apart from quantum computing, but I know this isn’t the case for all women. A report last year by LSE found that fewer than 2% of applicants for quantum jobs are women, meaning the industry is missing out on “talent, innovation and productivity”. I have half a mind to agree.
The quantum computing industry is a wonderful place to be a part of. The ability to tackle complex problems and grapple with the mysteries of quantum physics every day is a privilege. For women looking to enter the sector or considering it, here is my advice.
Embrace the mystery of quantum
Too often, the thresholds for entering the quantum computing industry appear too high. Quantum sounds very difficult and opaque, particularly because there is a lot of mystery around research and innovation in the industry. This can raise expectations and make people think, ‘Maybe I don’t have the right experience to contribute’.
But it’s the ability to uncover the secrets of nature and how quantum is the key to decoding how our world works that makes this industry perfect for curious minds, regardless of what your background is. I came into quantum from a computer science background, which has been particularly helpful in my role at Phasecraft, a quantum algorithms startup based in Bristol and London, where I initially started as a quantum software researcher. The quantum industry is still in its infancy, we need people from all sorts of backgrounds to help it grow.
Seek out learning communities
If you want to improve your knowledge of quantum computing, find countless learning resources and online communities out there. For instance, the IBM Quantum Community has a great educational programme attached to it, whilst Black Opal is an interactive online learning platform. Particularly as a woman in tech, the anonymity of being online means you can be more expressive and confident.
Don’t worry about PhDs, but apply for internships
The barriers to quantum can appear unreachable, and anyone without a PhD will be laughed out of the room. This isn’t the case anymore. Recently at Phasecraft, we have hired people who have come straight from completing their Masters’ degrees without the need to go on to extra study.
Internships are a really important way to get real work experience in the industry and find out what life is like. For instance, big companies like IBM and fast-growing companies like Phasecraft and Riverlane offer quantum internships which can be a key way to getting your foot in the door.
It’s challenging but rewarding
One of the things I enjoy the most about working in quantum computing is exploring the promise that quantum technology holds. It’s amazing to feel that you can solve important world problems and to be contributing to groundbreaking research.
It can be extremely challenging – you’re working with complex maths puzzles and sometimes you feel like you have no intuition for the work you’re doing. You have to rely on your maths and physics understanding of this counter-intuitive world. But it’s what makes it so rewarding, and why the industry is filled with some of the most passionate, dedicated people I’ve met. When it feels too difficult and opaque, remember this.
Stasja Stanisic, Lead Quantum Engineer At Phasecraft
After studying for a PhD in Quantum Engineering at the University of Bristol, Stasja joined Phasecast as a quantum researcher before rising to Lead Quantum Engineer. Her work has been integral to several Phasecraft publications, including its work on solving the Fermi-Hubbard model on near-term quantum computers. She also advocates encouraging more women into mathematics and related fields.
By Stasja Stanisic, Lead Quantum Engineer at Phasecraft
