Women in IT advised on how to become leaders

Women who work in the technology sectorhave been provided with ten key tips on how

to break the glass ceiling and become a leader in the male-dominated industry.

Through focus groups and personal experience of more than 60 women in senior IT roles, the Executive Women in IT (EWIT) affinity group, part of IDG's Chief Information Officer (CIO) Executive Council, devised the top ways for women to further their career.

The EWIT aims to influence the perception of IT as a fulfilling profession for women, even those with family responsibilities.

Pam Stenson, senior vice president and general manager of the council, said: "We have a responsibility to all women in the profession to shepherd them through the obstacles that come with being a woman in not only a male-dominated industry, but one that's increasingly challenging and demanding."

They advised women to gain a broad view of the business early on in their career and build strategic business skills.

This is something that Twila Day, CIO of Sysco Corp and a member of the EWIT did.

She commented: "Women can promote themselves as strong IT business leaders by using the unique view across the organisation that IT provides to build their skill sets."

Women were also advised to learn to employ a support system at work and at home, by outsourcing aspects of their personal life as career and family needs change.

Having a family is a common set-back for women aiming to build a successful career, especially the further up the career ladder they are, and it is one of the main reasons why there are more men in senior positions.

As Ms Day noted: "I still find that it is sometimes difficult for women to imagine long-term careers in IT or any other male dominated sectros; they just don't see how they can have a balance between work and family."

The CIO said that she has changed the corporate culture so that her team can better integrate work and home.

"And it's not targeted only to women with families," she noted. "I encourage all members of my team to pursue outside interests and hobbies with the right balance in their work responsibilities."

Another tip for women is to change the way they relate to men who fail to pay attention to what they have to say.

"Know your audience and target your discussions of IT's role in their processes to engage them," the EWIT states.

For the rest of the top ten tips, women can join a live webcast on July 22nd through the council's website.

Ms Stenson added: "The tips address both business and personal challenges and will hopefully offer women a sense of support and recognition that they're not alone in dealing with the trials their jobs bring."

Women in IT advised on how to become leaders

By: Joanna Carter

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