Darryl from eWeek had an interesting and sympathetic take on my session at TechEd last month. I was interested in some of the comments though that followed the article and the variety of opinions.
No, most of the panel were not from Microsoft. I chose an independent journalist, a partner and someone from the community. From Microsoft, I chose someone from the education team and a program manager for our identity product, quite a mix. I would have gone with less Microsoft people in the panel, but the other 2 women (not from Microsoft) I asked to participate did not go to TechEd this year.
I think that the “bonding” was women networking with each other and realising that they’re actually not alone in the industry – that’s not bad behaviour, just a recognition of the isolation that many women feel in their jobs.
I was asked to host the event, as I was involved with creating and distributing the initial survey on Women in Technology. I’m a middle aged woman (in the 40 – 55 year age bracket) and am not in a senior role. Nor have I ever been passed over for promotion. So have I experienced the glass ceiling? Not really. I started my IT career late in my life (I was 33) so I’m a long way below the glass ceiling at the moment. Will I reach it? I have no idea, but I’ll wait and see, changing roles to suit my interest in technology, not to fast track me to the top. I’ll get there because I’m good at my job, not because I’ve chosen the easy route to a senior position.
I don’t think I’m any “more promotable” than my male colleagues, but I’m really settled in my career and lifestyle, so perhaps I’m a safe bet for someone considering me for a long term career at Microsoft. Perhaps someone 20 years my junior will hop around other companies looking for that plum job and senior role. I’ve been there and done the job hopping before I got here. Complacent? No way? Settled doesn’t mean complacent at all…
But it’s so sad to note that the glass ceiling still exists in so many places. Only by networking and positively giving out the message that women in IT are equally as good as their male counterparts, will we change this perception.
And that means all of us…
Eileen's Digital Technology 