4 Women, 1 Boardroom & 1 Awesome Tech Discussion
The technology industry moves so fast, with constant changes such as various SE animal updates, snazzy new software and constant stream of beta products. Yesterday, something caused me to reflect on my current surroundings…
While in a client meeting, deep in the midst of discussions on bespoke CMS development, structural planning and database manipulations, something really hit me. I was surrounded by 3 women who each, in their own right, brought a skill and sense of brilliance to the meeting. Every word spoken was keenly heard by the others sitting around the table, all of us intently piecing together each part of the discussion. This marked a real reflection point in my professional career so far and was something I was very proud to be involved in; a truly intelligent collaboration and an obvious respect for knowledge with aspiring females in the digital industry.
While completing university, following my chosen career path, I always had goals and a vision to ensure I was propelling myself forward as much as possible. As much as I relished in the course content and made some great friends, I was constantly reminded of the lack of women in digital and computer-related degrees in general. The university course comprised of around 90% men, leaving only 10% women.
I have personally had a great passion for technology from a young age, yet have come across snap judgments made on the basis that I am female. Working at PC World, customers would be more inclined to ask male advisors for help, even though I was every bit as qualified to advise them. I’m really proud to see the industry changing, and sitting in a boardroom surrounded by professional females discussing in depth technological customisations is exactly where I want to be.
I should be clear, this is by no means a post to oppress or detract from men in any way; over the years I have worked with many great male role models and colleagues, some of whom have overwhelmed me with their knowledge. Some of my greatest achievements have been from collaborations with both men and women. However, this most certainly is a shout out to all the women working their way up and following their passions, regardless of any preconceived notions.
I’d really like to hear about any experiences others have had…
Hi Hannah,
Good post. I have a couple thoughts… Do you think that women are put off from working in the IT sector because it’s seen as “unfeminine” and so is the answer something similar to this (extremely controversial) EU advert designed to get women interested in science?
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/06/25/the-e-u-s-breathtakingly-awful-science-video/
I also note that you pick up on how working with others (both male and female) can inspire you. I find this interesting as I also work in a fairly male dominated profession, and while the gender of the person is irrelevant in terms of how exciting the collaboration is or how thought-provoking the work is etc… if I’m honest, I tend to look at senior women in my field and think “I want to be as successful as them”. That is not to say that I don’t respect the work produced by men – I do – but that I notice that (female) so-and-so has made it to senior lecturer/reader/professor and I can see it being possible that I can do this too. Maybe it’s different for IT which barely existed as a sector 30 years ago, but – and here’s my questions – in terms of being a young, ambitious women, how important is it to see women in the senior ranks?
Couple thoughts there…
Thanks for your comments Laura. I think the industry used to be “unfeminine” yes, it wasn’t a sector that I found myself accepted into for the first few years. However I do feel over the past 2-3 years things have slowly started changing especially as marketing roles have progressed into the digital space. I still feel we are only in the middle of the digital explosion so I am personally very excited about next few years.
Personally my aspiration to succeed in business came from there being a lack of women in senior positions in the digital space. This only made me more determined. Now seeing and reading more about industry leaders being female, only spurs me on more and hopefully can inspire others who are beginning a road to success. I think it is very important to see female senior figures however in my opinion I don’t think they need to be in the same sector for it have a positive effect.