Less than half of women in IT are confident about future success

41% of women working in IT do not feel confident about their future success, according to new research by online job board and networking portal womenintechnology.co.uk.

Attendees of womenintechnology.co.ukís recent event, ìHow to get ahead in ITî, gave a variety of reasons for this lack of confidence, however motherhood was an issue that many women thought could damage their success in the years to come. One respondent commented ìSometimes [I am confident] but I doubt my own abilities and believe that employers wonít want to employ a mum of twoî. Another said ìI am taking time off to have a baby and not sure how this will affect me getting contracts in the futureî. Others had difficulties in knowing how to progress in their careers - as one woman put it, ìIím not sure what the next step is and whether I can move into middle management.î

The research also showed that 65% did not have a clear vision of what they wanted to achieve in their IT career with some respondents choosing to be open to new prospects and others lacking the knowledge in how to progress. ìI know where I would like to be but Iím not sure how to get thereî commented one woman, while another said ìI am flexible depending on the opportunities that come up!î

ìThe majority of the women believed they were the driver of their own success with many updating their CV regularly on LinkedIn and speaking with management so that others are aware of their achievements. However many cited difficulties in marketing themselves in this wayî says Maggie Berry, Director of womenintechnology.co.uk. ìThis event aimed to give women some useful advice on successful career strategies. Hopefully those that attended are now more confident in their ability to progress their careers in the IT industry.î