Finding role models is a great way of inspiring yourself to both educational and career success. From qualified PRINCE2 training practitioners to students attaining ITIL certification, having quality role models to look up to may just be the difference between success and failure.

A 2013 study by Evolved Employer found that by facilitating junior and mid-level women to identify with women leaders, they can be encouraged to achieve new levels of career success. 

When respondents were asked to name one woman they admired in the technology sector, 25.5 per cent left the question blank and alarmingly, 9.2 per cent of respondents wrote that they could not think of anybody.

This list of role models will inspire both men and women but in recognition that the sector is currently lacking visible female role models, the list will have a twist.

1. Ada Lovelace

It is understandable if you have not heard of Lovelace as she died over a century ago, but she is still a highly important role model for a number of reasons.

Born in London in 1815, she was the child of poet George Gordon, Lord Byron and the mathematics-loving Annabella Milbanke. Some consider her the world's first computer programmer because she developed an algorithm to be used by a machine.

In recent years, Lovelace has blossomed into somewhat of a celebrity and has become the face of the campaign to increase the numbers of women in the STEM subjects.

2. Susan Wojcicki

A truly modern role model. According to a June 22 feature in The Guardian, Wojcicki grew up surrounded by STEM inspirations; for instance, her father was a Stanford University physics professor. 

Forbes identifies her as a key actor in the push for the $1.65 billion acquisition of YouTube. Wojcicki is currently CEO of the world's largest video platform and has overseen its current growth with 2014 revenues hitting $4 billion, up 33 per cent from 2013. 

It was in Wojcicki's garage that a young Larry Page and Sergey Brin began building their now multi-billion dollar company, which would change not only the internet but also how information is searched, discovered and thus known around the world.

Could these three tech leaders inspire you?

3. Juliana Rotich

As the executive director of Ushahidi, Juliana Rotich overseas the operations of the not-for-profit, which develops open-source software. In her role, Rotich has overseen and pioneered the use of new web tools for crowd sourcing crisis information.  

According to her TED bio, Rotich develops tools for democratising information, improving transparency and facilitating the delivery of people's stories.

Rotich is also a founder of iHub, a tech space in Nairobi, Kenya, where investors and the open community can interact and work together to develop ideas into tangible solutions. 

To brighten your future, attain a qualification in the IT industry. Contact an experienced course provider to find out how to become a tech role model for the next generation.