InformationWeek

September 22, 1998

I am a young woman trying to get ahead in what is still a man's world. My job as a computer systems engineer requires that I understand technology as well as business issues. I'm just beginning to work towards an MBA degree. But even with that degree, I feel I am still up against false perceptions. Men also have trouble climbing the ladder, but I believe women still have a tougher challenge. There are many opportunities for advancement and challenges working for my current employer, but I need them to throw some of those opportunities my way. I have asked about particular projects and expressed my areas of interest. I walk away from career discussions feeling I was listened to, but that nothing will come of the conversation. How can I get the projects I want to work on? I have left companies before. It seems to be the same no matter where I work. Also, what is the best way, and most realistic way, to stay on top of technology?

I agree that the IT industry is male-dominated--and by pure statistics alone, a woman will have a tougher climb upwards. But those statistics are dwindling. So many female IT professionals that I'm associated with are tracking tremendously and many of the companies I represent are looking for the "best athlete," regardless of gender. Forge a relationship with someone who can influence projects that you're assigned to. Address the issue softly but head-on at your current company by telling them that you have really tried to involve yourself on new projects but feel like you're hitting a stone wall. Ask what you need to do to get put onto some of these projects. If you ultimately decide to leave the company, look for female mentors in the next job and model yourself after those that are already getting results. I don't question your tenacity pursuing opportunities, but it could be your packaging and how you're going about it, because every company is not the same!

More Questions:
Is it wrong for me to leave a company after only being there for a year even if they relocated me?

How should I best develop my career towards becoming a CIO for a large company?