 IT background
I am a software developer with 9 years’ programming experience. Currently, my position mostly focuses on XSLT programming, with some Java and the usual mix of web programming skills (XHTML, JavaScript etc).
My previous jobs have all been in programming, from a junior web developer upwards.
What I like best about it is the fact that I’m never bored. It can be stressful at times, but I have never dreaded going into work or felt bored day-to-day. Every day is interesting and a challenge.
IT was something I mostly fell into, but very happily. I studied film at the University of Kent, which at the time (1996 – 99) was one of the most computer-literate universities in the UK. All undergraduates were expected to be able to use email & the internet, and non-computer science students were encouraged to take IT-related courses. I took courses in web publishing and Turbo Pascal programming, which I loved. I also had a boyfriend who was studying computer science, and so I got into web programming in a big way via him and his friends.
After graduating, I decided to latch on to the then-current dot.com boom and went into web development at the lowest level, doing very basic web programming on a temporary basis around London. I eventually found a permanent position where I was able to develop my skills.
In late 1999 or early 2000 I was exposed to XSLT and found my niche. I have been developing my XSLT knowledge ever since. I’ve learned everything on-the-job; and while it’s been slow and occasionally very difficult, I’ve enjoyed my career so far.
The thrill of seeing something work for the first time is probably what I enjoy the most. Taking on a difficult project and seeing it through to the end. Most recently I’ve been working on a set of XSLTs to transform documents in Microsoft’s OOXML standard (which is much maligned and quite flawed) into valid XHTML, which has been very challenging and occasionally near-impossible. Completing this project to a high standard and knowing that my company’s clients are thrilled with the results is very satisfying.
I would like to carry on programming, progressing to a very senior level. I’d love to be involved in writing a programming manual eventually. I’ve tried promotion to a managerial position in the past and found that I really missed programming every day, so came back to programming. I imagine that one day I might want to leave full-time programming behind and become a manager of some kind, but right now that’s not in my sights.
Tips for success
Find out what you’re good at and hone that skill; but also try not to lose sight of the big picture. Specialisation is great, but you also need to keep a hand in with other skills – even if it’s just a case of keeping up with news about the latest technologies. And don’t feel you have to keep moving “up the ladder” unless you want to – higher-level and management positions aren’t for everyone, especially if a higher-level position will take you away from doing the things you love at work.
Words of wisdom for people thinking about pursuing a career in IT
- I always read theregister.co.uk
- Never be afraid to ask for help. I’ve been afraid in the past to ask for help as I was worried it might be seen as evidence that “girls can’t do programming”; but that’s not the case! Everyone starts somewhere and needs help now and again.
How important is background/education
Not particularly important, except in terms of very general workplace skills. I think my arts and literature background puts me at an advantage sometimes, as my spelling and grammar seems to be better than my engineering-background counterparts!
Being a woman
I was definitely put at a disadvantage by my (all-girls) school, as we did not have computing lessons. I wasn’t properly exposed to computers until University. There was definitely more of a focus on the arts and humanities at my school, over maths and engineering. Whether that was down to my school being all-girls, or just its general culture, I don’t know.
In terms of work: I have experienced some sexual harassment in the workplace in the past (not at my current employer) which has obviously made life quite unpleasant at times. However I regard it as very important to know my rights in the workplace and am a member of a union, so these issues have all been resolved.
I have never worked for a large company with a proper HR department, though – so I imagine my experience with HR issues might be different from many.
Life outside of work
I think I have a fairly normal life outside work. I’m very lucky in that my career allowed me to buy my own flat when I was quite young (24), and I’m quite financially secure. I’m also lucky in that my workplace doesn’t have a long-hours culture – I work 9am to 5.30pm most days.
I don’t really have much to do with IT outside of work – I like fashion and makeup and cooking. In fact I think I’m quite a “girly girl”. Being a geek doesn’t mean you have to give up those pleasures!
Differences between men and women in IT
I’ve been told in interviews in the past that they would like to bring a woman into their IT department to impart a “woman’s touch”, but to be frank I find phrases like that nonsense. I don’t think I bring anything particularly different.
Preconceptions or stereotypes of women in IT
There is definitely an attitude among some men (of any age) that women simply “can’t do programming” or “can’t do computers”. Again I think this is nonsense.
Unfortunately I’ve been to geek social mixers (events where programmers go to talk about programming in a pub) where it’s been assumed by some that I’m the girlfriend of a male attendee, and then challenged to “prove” that I’m a programmer when I say I’m not. This is very frustrating and sad. Often the challengers are younger than me, and have had much shorter careers; so it’s extremely patronising! It’s almost as if they view women in IT as a threat.
I do get the feeling that women have to try a lot harder in programming circles (and IT generally) to get taken seriously. It’s almost as if you’re not allowed to be an “OK” programmer if you’re a woman – you have to be outstanding, otherwise you’re taken as proof that women “can’t do it” and should leave it to men.
What can be done to encourage more women to join IT
Challenging this idea that IT (along with engineering and related industries) is some kind of “boys club” would be a start. Starting with younger people starting out in their careers, as in my experience they are often the ones to have this attitude the most – but once they get a little older and have had female colleagues, they become more accepting.
I also still think there’s an image problem with IT. Making it obvious that not every programmer is a nerd with few social skills would help! I have never worked with anyone who remotely resembled the stereotype, so for me it’s totally untrue.
Is enough being done to counterbalance what has become an obvious lack of women in technology?
I’m not really sure what’s being done, to be honest. I think more girls should be encouraged to do subjects like computing and engineering at school (I feel I missed out myself).
But I also don’t think that anyone should be encouraged to do something they don’t have a passion for, even if it means more money and a better career. I believe people should follow their hearts. Doing a job you enjoy is more important than money and prestige.
Single bit of advice for a young women looking for a position in the IT
Develop a thick skin and believe in yourself. It can be very tough but it can be done.
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