Opening doors for women in computing

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20+ year IT veteran - my .02 cents worth

Hello all,
Like one of the past posters, I have been involved in IT since the punch-card days. I've always been fascinated by them. Started in high school when the TRS-80 was the hot thing and programs loaded from cassette tapes (and took all day to do so!). Was one of the first to use Compuserve, and absolutely love the 'Net.

Started my career as a programmer analyst, and quickly got the nickname 'code killer' because of my ability to troubleshoot. Moved into management when I got tired of waiting for the IT department heads to give me a promotion and moved to the Law department at the municipality I lived in at the time. Was able to translate between Law and IT so my boss nicknamed me 'Spock'.

Took a detour into Commercial Photography when I relocated to New England, and went back to IT when I needed a steadier paycheck. Now, I'm reaching the 20+ year point as a professional and I can't believe the changes I've seen.

I love being a perpetual student (probably why I like IT so much) and am now the MIS Director for my hometown of 37K people. My assistant (and very valued right-hand) is a man who has no problem working for a woman.

Was I discriminated against? As an African-American female, you better believe it. Everyone from the elderly gentleman who watched me troubleshoot a printer and complimented me on having technical abilities that a 'secretary' wouldn't ordinarily have, to the salesmen that still have that momentary look of shock and surprise when they find out I'm the boss, to the technicians that talk to my assistant instead of me at meetings.

Does it bother me? Sure - if I thought about it long enough - but I don't. I keep on doing my job. I'm underpaid (municipal government problem) and probably way overqualified for my job, but I stay because of personal preference.

I don't think IT is particularly unfriendly to women, though I can easily imagine some workplaces are, as well as some college curriculums. I started out in Chemical Engineering - talk about unfriendly!

On a slightly more feminist note, I don't mind painting my house (or doing other renovations - it's an 1850's Greek Revival), working on my car, or doing other typical 'men' things. My interests are as varied as anyone elses, and I partly give my mom credit for that.

You're only limited by what YOU think you can do - there is a way around any wall that's erected in your path. You only have to decide when to fight, when to knock down the wall, and when to go around.

Just my .02 cents worth,

Dianne

Posted by: ddaniels@...   Posted on: 02/09/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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