This was the inspiring message that emerged from IT’s not just for the boys! which took place in the London offices of Bloomberg on Friday 24 October. 76 female undergraduates from 34 different universities took part in a day-long series of case studies, exercises and networking with high-achieving female role models in IT.
Nathalie Nahai, web psychologist, gave the keynote address and sought to answer the key question: ‘Why aren’t women taking the stage?’ and offered practical techniques to boost the students’ confidence and give them an edge. Nathalie described Technology as a really exciting space to be in for women, and much more exciting than alternative careers.
Kate Taylor, of UpCoaching, developed the theme, identifying from her own work the conversations she had with women that revealed the same niggling doubts, the reluctance to give themselves credit for being part of brilliant work – all of which had a long-term impact on confidence, progression and motivation. Kate urged the audience to find their voices and their rightful place within traditionally male-dominated environments.
IT’s not just for the boys!, from TARGETjobs Events and now in its sixth year, aims to promote careers in IT to well-motivated female undergraduates. It seeks to address and challenge the stereotypical image of the industry as a place for geeky men and, even more importantly, stress how women can (and do) make a unique contribution to business success. The majority of students who attended were studying computer science and IT, but others were studying classics, art and design, economics, environmental science, management, marketing, business, maths, physics and psychology.
In addition to Event Programme Partner Deloitte, there were 11 partners for the October IT’s not just for the boys!: Barclays, Bloomberg, BOAML, BT, Credit Suisse, EMC, London Stock Exchange Group, Morgan Stanley, PGDS, PwC and Sky. Over this autumn’s three events, there are 27 different partners fully committed to make the powerful case for more women in technology.
Amandeep Jaspal, Senior Consultant at Sky, said: “We’ve attended ITs not just for the boys! for the past couple of years; it’s an excellent way to showcase the roles we have available and meet some really enthusiastic women we wouldn’t necessarily have met on campus, at this event. In fact two women we brought here today, we met here last year, so it’s been brilliant to bring them back. Both said it was their experiences of Sky during this event that made them apply.”
And the students were thrilled with the experience. Davina Bodley Scott from Exeter University called it “insightful and creative.” Sophia Chambers from Sheffield Hallam said: “a great insight into companies you wouldn't normally get to meet. Very eye-opening!” and Vinodhini Mohan from Staffordshire University “had a really great day and I’m really pleased I applied!”
The next two IT’s not just for the boys! take place on 14 and 28 November.