Men may outnumber women by 4:1 in the IT industry but that does not affect the ambition of female technologists, with over a third stating that their main career goal is to reach a senior or managerial role. That’s according to a recent survey of over 300 women in IT by career portal and recruitment service womenintechnology.co.uk.
Being successful was the next most popular answer with 15%, followed by the desire to add value, help others and make a difference through work. Receiving recognition, having a challenging role that used their skills and achieving a work / life balance were also popular answers amongst the female technologists.
Whilst work/life balance was cited as a wish for many women, it was also said to be an obstacle in many achieving their career goals, alongside confidence and self belief, which proved to be the most common challenge the respondents faced. Lack of both experience and opportunities, bureaucracy and ‘jobs for the boys syndrome’ as one woman put it, were also considered barriers to career progression.
“The lack of women in management and board level positions within technology is a real issue that has to be resolved, so it’s great to see so many women eager to get there” comments Maggie Berry, managing director of womenintechnology.co.uk. “The technology sector now needs to help these women get to the top, by encouraging more females into the sector, offering work/life balance solutions and realising the potential of the female talent out there.”
The survey questioned 315 women and was undertaken for womenintechnology’s upcoming event ‘how to achieve a 'gold medal career'. The event will take place in London on 11th November 2010 in association with BP and with Olympic champion Sally Gunnell as the keynote speaker.
Note to editors: The event will be taking place in St James Square, central London and will feature a speech from Sally Gunnell about her own career, as well as a Q&A session with senior management from BP where attendees can pose questions about achieving a ‘gold medal career’. Should you wish to attend please get in touch and I will be happy to arrange this. For more information please see http://www.womenintechnology.co.uk/gold-medal-career.
