Women and information technology

The Information Technology field has steadily increased in importance over the course of many years. The field of IT has also been traditionally controlled and advanced by men. In the last few years, perhaps due to the increasing salary benefits, more and more women are embracing the world of IT. As with any field not used to an influx of the female gender, there are some growing pains. Women often face problems with sexual harassment; suffer from a general lack of faith in their technical abilities; and are often kept out of the loop.

Sexual harassment happens in nearly every environment and thus is not unique to women in IT. There may be a difference only in that in a higher paying industry that is so dominantly ruled by men, the incentive to keep quiet is stronger. Women take these IT jobs for the same reasons as men such as financial rewards, advancement, education, and pure enjoyment. That said, it makes sense that most women don't want to stand out simply for their gender. As with anyone else they are there to do a job and gain the skills needed to advance. Let us acknowledge that there are differences between men and women both physically and emotionally. What is often overlooked in such a male environment is how sexual harassment can be devastating for a woman in Information Technology. There is a certain amount of respect one has to gain when breaking into a new field and unfortunately for women, claiming "sexual harassment" is not a good way to do it. Women must skate the line between maintaining respect while not making her gender the main focal point of the workplace.

Men have worked in this industry longer and thus have gained technical expertise that any one new to the industry may not have. It is clear that with time working in a field comes experience. Women, many being new to the field, must overcome the disrespect and criticism that comes with lack of knowledge. This lack of knowledge is often emphasized when the person is female verses male. If a male colleague, who is an old fishing buddy who just entered into the industry accidentally mistyped a line and caused a system outage what would be done? Now picture it is the new woman who just started? Who would be more likely to be given a second chance? Unfortunately, men are more likely to recommend men to work in their environment just for sake of comfort and this is a major disadvantage for women. If one cannot get their foot in the door then one cannot start gaining the hands-on knowledge that one needs to learn the industry. Women must just learn to have faith in their own abilities because there will be plenty of times when no one else will. A woman must be careful though to make sure that what she calls faith is not really over-confidence. She must not be afraid to say, "I don't know" but must make sure to follow it with "but I will find out" and then make sure she does. She cannot take criticism of her abilities personally but rather see it as a task list of things to improve on to further her career. It will take time but eventually she will find herself with the knowledge she needs to answer those questions. Knowledge alone will help a woman build up most of the respect people have for her and her abilities and make her work environment a more pleasant place.

We have established that the industry is very dominated by men and that men like to bring other men on board. Where does that leave women once they do manage to break into the industry? Breaking the "boys club" mentality can be easier than it seems. Although any one of the following scenerios may occur, they are not hard to handle. One possible scenario is that a woman sits alone at lunch every day while the boys go out to Hooters for food and drinks. Or maybe she notices that as she approaches a group of her male co-workers who gathered around the cooler talking about a technical issue that they tend to scatter or just ignore her. Or even better her boss comes in and shouts, "Hey guys, what's been going on?" Being excluded from thought and the regular activities of the office can make her day to day work more difficult. The trick is not giving up. Just keep in mind that it is an adjustment period for everyone. Co-workers are probably doing what they have always done and may not realize initially that the types of activities they are doing are excluding her. Her boss most likely did not mean any disrespect by saying, "Hey guys" it's just that until she got there that statement was accurate. I think anyone will see that even a joking addition to his statement such as "..And gal" from anyone will correct his behavior. So the next time she comes back from working on an issue only to find the office vacated and an hour later the male members of the team return from lunch she should not get angry. She should simply ask "Hey guys, next time you're going to lunch grab me, I'd love to get to know you all better." The rest is up to them but the line should at least be cast. The new person always has to make an effort to integrate themselves into the team, don't let yourself be alienated.

Women face a variety of obstacles when entering this high tech and competitive industry. It is just key to remember that whether the problem is sexual harrasment, lack of respect, or trouble breaking into the "boys club" that the benefits far outweigh the cost. High salaries and respect are a payoff that come from a job in Information Technology, a far cry from the days of a woman's duty to be a secretary or receptionist. Having self-confidence enough in ones own abilities and finding the balance of respect and understanding can avoid all three of these taboo issues.

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Understanding how women communicate at work

If you have female co-workers, you may sometimes wonder what some of their comments mean. Females can be intuitive, indirect, emotional, or uncertain at times. Others, however, may come across as assertive or dictatorial. The guidelines that follow may help to explain the ways that women communicate while on the job. Keep in mind that these insights are not meant to be stereotypical and do not apply to all women.

1. Women tend to be more verbal than men and think in terms of words and emotions. Research shows that women typically have a need to express about 25,000 words per day, while men express about half of that--12,000. Women often use affirming conversational markers like "oh?" or "Hmm." Men are generally good listeners but may not offer as much supplementary verbal support. They do, however, tell more off color jokes and use more profanity than most women.

2. Women rely on their emotions to assess a situation or person. Their brains are wired to accept stimuli from multiple sensory impressions, which can cause sensory overload, resulting in temporary confusion. This may lead to what some call "women's intuition," when a woman has "a feeling" about something or someone but can't put her finger on it because her mind is overloaded by stimuli. After she has had a chance to sort impressions, she may come to the realization of why something seems amiss--a guest's unmatched socks, for example, which can lead to a full-fledged observation or opinion.

3. Women enjoy being part of a team. At work, this means that they willingly share tasks and insight to get a job done. While some women pursue leadership roles, many others are content to serve from the sidelines as long as there is someone to chat with occasionally. Women enjoy communication for its own sake, while many men typically use talk as a tool to get things done.

4. Women may feel insecure about their job roles. This may be due to the fact that women have rather recently entered the work force, mainly in the past 30 to 40 years. They may have fewer female mentors and role models, and perhaps be a little nervous of a male supervisor, especially if they are surrounded by longstanding male co-workers. An illustration of verbal uncertainty is the use of tag questions. Instead of making a statement that can stand alone, female employees may add a short question at the end:

"The meeting starts at nine, doesn't it?"

"I think the project is coming along, don't you?"

5. Some women resent a female supervisor more than a male supervisor, which can lead to cattiness or communication problems. While researchers are still not sure of all possible reasons for this, some include the idea that female supervisors sometimes adopt masculine characteristics to compete with males, and thus alienate female employees. Another option is that women who enjoy team work may resent the female who stands head and shoulders above them.

6. Women typically have fewer health-related problems on the job than their male counterparts. Stress symptoms like job-related depression, substance abuse, and heart problems remain more male than female issues, but women are beginning to catch up. Women are better at controlling their emotions than many male supervisors, which may be one reason why they are less likely to fall prey to stress symptoms than men.

7. Many women resent the fact that fewer females have been able to get high ranking leadership roles. They are becoming more vocal in their demand for equal pay for equal work. The good news is that there are more mentors and job opportunities these days for women in traditional male occupations, like engineering and law. As women become more outspoken about their career expectations, changes are beginning to occur in their favor.

Women at work do not fit neatly into any one category. But understanding how many women communication while on the job can enhance understanding and promote more effective collaboration among employees.

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The first day of a new job can be very stressful on you and even the people around you. The apprehension of the unknown and being a new person can be overwhelming. Following are some tips on how to keep you calm and how to fly through your first day. Also, included are some ideas on how to prepare for your day at the new job and things to remember to get you through it.

The night before your first day is the crucial time to prepare items of necessity. Prepare yourself for the unexpected like your alarm not going off, accidentally sleeping in, or your vehicle not starting. This will ensure that you will be on time and even early. Pick out the clothes that you will wear and have them laid out. Have them cleaned, ironed, and ready to throw on.

Preparing food for your first day is another thing that you should try to prepare the night before. You may be very jittery in the hours before your new job and feel that you will not be hungry, but you have no idea what to expect and you should bring something along. It is better to have left over food then to be hungry and have no nourishment. You may be famished when your lunch hour arrives, or you may only be able to nibble, but either way if you have food there, you are safe.

The morning before your first day should be fairly calm if you have prepared everything above. You should be able to shower and get ready without much fuss. The nervous time before you leave is lessened while you busy yourself with the preparations of yourself. Make time for a cup of juice or coffee and a glance through the paper. This distraction is good for your mind and should set you at ease.

Once everything is ready and you are about to walk out the door is generally when you will become nervous. This is because you know that this is the last step that you have to take before you will be at your new job. Remain calm and think of things that make you happy. Listen to one of your favorites songs on the trip, or listen to something that puts a smile on your face. This can be a great tool in easing your apprehension and making the drive full of cheeriness.

You should try to arrive at least ten minutes early to show that you are reliable and a punctual person. This will give your employer a good feeling about you and usually will make the whole day better. Be cheerful and friendly with people that you meet. Be yourself and be comfortable with who you are, as this is the best route to go to make friendships through work. Most companies will welcome you with open arms and make you feel very welcome.

Overall, just breathe and stay calm. The first day is always an experience and it will get better. You have to have faith in your abilities and believe that you will succeed. This is the only way that you will accomplish all of your goals and see yourself through until the end. Stay calm and be yourself!

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Understanding how men think at work

Whether male or female, you may have wondered at some point why men think the way they do, especially in the workplace. Male workers at times may seem abrupt, direct, logical, playful, or critical. Here are some guidelines to help explain why men think as they do regarding job performance. Keep in mind that these are general insights that do not apply to all men.

1. Men tend to be less verbal than women and think in terms of action rather than words. Research shows that women typically have a need to express about 25,000 words per day, while many men express about half of that--12,000. Women may use affirming or nurturing sounds in conversation: "uh huh," "um-hum," or "hm." Men, on the other hand, make more action-oriented sounds: "Vroom, the sedan finally started" or "With a whoosh the tree came down." However, either sex can produce verbal expressions like these to supplement vocabulary statements.

2. Men often demonstrate more linear thinking than women. The male mind undergoes a hormonal bath in week 16 of gestational development, closing off one of two pathways between the two hemispheres of the brain. When the remaining pathway adapts its circulatory process to compensate for the shutdown of the secondary valve, men's rational (or left brain) thinking becomes enhanced. They learn to get from point A to point B as directly as possible. This means they learn to assess a problem quickly and methodically.

3. Men typically enjoy competition. On the job, this means that many men are stimulated to apply for a promotion or compete for a new job. Others participate in contests or subtly challenge co-workers to a performance race in competing for the raise pool.

4. Men promptly recognize and adapt to hierarchy. In a group setting, the male mind will mentally assess varied personalities to figure out who the leader is. Of course, he will compete for leadership if that is a viable option. If not, he will take his place in the chain of command as expected.

5. Many men prefer to work individually rather than as a team. A solo effort can mean more to a certain percentage of men who don't like answering to a supervisor or working in tandem with another employee.

6. More men are type A personalities. This can be helpful in using aggression and assertiveness to get things done at work. But it also can be a turn-off to clients when a bull-headed employee comes on too strong and stands out as a know-it-all.

7. Some men appear to be especially critical or to enjoy conflict. Actually, these men may enjoy probing an issue by way of debating its pro's and con's. Playing devil's advocate is a role that is often relished by the male sex, and is often used to explore an idea in a positive way.

8. Many men feel like they are expected to lead. When others don't follow, men can feel like failures. As a supervisor, clarify each employee's job role to avoid unrealistic expectations or someone's sense of failed leadership.

Not all men fit these patterns, naturally. But many do. Understanding how some men think while on the job can enhance understanding and promote more effective communication.

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Career tips for women: choosing the right shoes and purse for a job interview

With everything there is to worry about with a job interview, having to worry about accessorizing can drive you to near madness. Do these shoes go with this outfit? Are they making the wrong statement? What if my purse doesn't match? Does it even matter? Thankfully, the basics of interview dressing still apply - Tasteful, understated and trying to give a composed impression. And yes, your choices can matter.

Shoes

While the four inch heels you went out dancing in last night may cost more than your television set and they make your legs look fantastic, they aren't what you're looking for when you need shoes for an interview. You want to go with a simple dress shoe that matches the rest of your interview outfit. For example, this could be a boot (with pants) or a low heel (with a skirt). The idea is that you are the one who is supposed to shine, not your footwear. Also, keep in mind that you may have to deal with staircases, walking through areas and other situations where your footwear might make a difference. Wincing at the wrong moment due to a pinching pointy toe may give a hiring manager the impression that you are not interested in the job. An interview is also not the time to break in a new pair of shoes, although shoes should still look neat and clean.

Purses

To purse or not to purse, is that the question? It is often hard to figure out what to do with a purse during an interview. If you are bringing along a briefcase or portfolio for an interview, you can often use it stash the things you'll need like your wallet, identification and a small make-up bag for touch ups. If you do bring a purse, you would want to follow the rules again and go with something tasteful and understated. It should match the color of your shoes. Try to keep away from purses that are very large are bulky. You don’t want to be fumbling with a purse that is half your size when you go to shake someone’s hand. Also, you should make an effort to clean our your purse or briefcase before the interview. If you need to find something in it during the interview, it can be distracting and also give a negative impression if you need to look for an extended time or pull things out to find what you need. Take time the night before your interview to consider what you need to bring, and what you do not need to bring, to the interview.

Why it matters

While your purse and shoes may be small details that should never make or break an interview for most women, they do deserve some attention. In an interview where you are up against other people for a position, small details like how you handle yourself can make the difference between getting the position or a "thanks but no thanks" from the employer. Knowing these little details are under control, you can go into a job interview more confident and able to focus on giving the best impression to the potential employer.

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Pregnancy and work: how to job hunt while pregnant

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a couple’s life. Major decisions and plans are made for the future. The main decisions are usually financial, and whether the mom to be works during her pregnancy becomes an issue. If she is already working, anti-discrimination laws prevent her from being terminated. But if she isn’t working, encountering job discrimination when job hunting is a major possibility. Avoiding discrimination, and finding a suitable job during one’s pregnancy is not at all difficult. By suitable, it is meant a job that is not physically or emotionally dangerous.

When job-hunting during a pregnancy, each trimester presents a different challenge. During the first trimester, pregnancy is less detectable, thus one can apply for a job without revealing their physical status. The second and third trimesters are more obvious, and employers may hesitate in hiring you. They may feel that a pregnant woman will be a physical burden and not able to perform at her peak. An employer may hesitate to hire a pregnant woman; for fear that she is only a temporary employee. These are valid concerns that an expecting woman should consider. She may have the best intentions, but pregnancies and births are unpredictable.

Because of these reasons, it is best that an expecting mother seek temporary employment. She can register with temporary employment agencies and be forthcoming about her physical condition. She can then request assignments of any length. She may request on call, per diem assignments, weekly or even a six-month project. For projects that are three to six months, she can time her departure to coincide with her due date, or earlier. Some temporary agencies even offer medical insurance.

Temporary agencies are very flexible with assigning employees to jobs. Some clerical positions require little or no experience. So if you come from another background, don’t be shy about applying for a temp position in a different industry. Many people use temporary agencies to gain experience in an area, so agencies are receptive to people with no experience. Clerical and receptionist positions are ideal because they are not physically stressful, and usually involve sitting down.

Another per diem opportunity is substitute teaching. Most board of educations requires a

minimum of sixty college credits and a substitute teaching certificate. Obtaining a certificate is fairly easy. One can obtain an application from the local school district. Then mail it along with the fee, and proof of education to the state board of education. Once you receive the certificate you can register with different school districts in your county, and wait for them to call you for assignments. Substituting offers per diem as well as long term projects.

Another area of employment for moms to be is retail. What better place to work than a maternity or a baby store? Retail tends to have a high turnover rate. This is why obtaining a job, with short term intentions is perfectly acceptable. Maternity stores are a great place to work and make new friends. They may also provide a generous employee discount on the merchandise. The same theory applies when working in a baby store, new friends and great discounts. The pace in these shops is slower that department stores, making this an excellent low impact job. There is also schedule flexibility. You may take a full or part time position.

Work-at-home opportunities are plentiful. Many pregnant women enter Sales through party plans. Party plans offer women the opportunity to become consultants with large companies, and offer products and/or services through home parties or shows. Think the classic Tupperware parties. There are hundreds of companies that offer these opportunities.

Another growing industry is the virtual service representative arena. Many companies contract customer service positions with people at home. All you need is a computer, Internet access and a telephone. The calls are forwarded to the home. The VSR provides customer service and/ or order fulfillment. Payment is made to the representatives by mail or direct deposit, and schedules are flexible. Take into consideration some of these positions pay monthly.

Last but not least is a job that most pregnant women never think about. Modeling. Of course you won’t be gracing the catwalk in stilettos. But there is a market for pregnant models. Who does the modeling for maternity clothes in catalogues? Open up any parenting or pregnancy magazine, and who do you see? Companies market products to pregnant women, therefore there is a need for pregnant models. Obtaining employment, during a pregnancy is not impossible. There are many opportunities for employment and flexible schedule. Pregnancy just causes for extra consideration (for the health of mom and baby) and a little creativity.

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Top 10 best home business ideas for stay at home moms

The allure of staying at home with their children is an idea that tugs at many mothers. In a generation that often requires two incomes to meet the demands of living expenses, the option may not always seem possible. There are several viable home business opportunities that can make staying at home with children possible.

Day care is one of the easiest home-based businesses to get started. Licensing is necessary in most states and counties. There are often restrictions of the number and ages of children that a business owner can provide care for. Contact a local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency or local Child Care Association in your area for more information about requirements. Parents Night Out and before and after school care are unique marketing ideas that can set your business apart from the competition. Parents are always looking for dependable and quality child-care, so the market for this home-based business is very likely wide open. Survey your local area for existing providers and standard pricing to find out if this standard is true for your area.

Party planning is a growing business opportunity and can be a lot of fun. If you enjoy children and are creative and skilled at organizing successful events, this business may be for you. Party planners focus on assisting busy parents with party planning for birthdays and other special occasions. A party planner may offer theme-based birthday parties complete with cake, decorations, entertainment, and favor bags. You can gain exposure of your new business at your next child’s birthday by organizing a blow out party and handing out flyers to the parents who attend. Local parent publications are also a good place to advertise your services.

If you are a skilled seamstress, you may find success with a home sewing business. Many of today’s sewing machines offer computerized functions that can increase productivity and include embroidery personalization capabilities. Services of this business may include alterations and mending. There are many creative options available as well. Custom bedding, Christening gowns, and keepsake baby blankets are a few options. Consider creating personalized stockings constructed of velvet, lace, buttons, and other notions. Bazaars and online auctions are convenient outlets to market these creations.

A kid’s cab service is a possibility for moms who live in metro areas. Busy parents will likely welcome a dependable and safe service to assist with transportation needs to child-care, sporting practices, and after-school activities. If you already have a mini-van or sport utility vehicle, start up for this business can be relatively inexpensive. Check with your license bureau about obtaining the proper licensure for the public transportation of passengers. Also, contact your insurance company for quote information about using your vehicle for this type of service. Inexpensive computer-generated flyers can be posted at places where parents and kids gather. Word of mouth is always the best advertisement, so inform your family and friends of your new business creation and ask them to help you spread the world.

Niche newsletters for mothers who enjoy writing and have specialized knowledge in a specific area can be a profitable home business. Moms that are proficient with the Internet may choose to deliver a newsletter online. There is also the option of postal delivery of newsletters. The first step is to find a valuable topic that will sell and also to zero in on a target market. Post offices offer bulk postage options if postal delivery is the route chosen for a newsletter.

An independent career in antique and collectibles is an option for mothers who are knowledgeable about the value of antiques and period pieces. Shopping flea markets, garage sales, and estate auctions is the first step for start up. Online stores and auctions offer a worldwide market for the treasures that can be found in the most unexpected places with a trained eye. Booth rental at flea markets is another resale option.

Bookkeeping and secretarial services can be provided from home. Mothers working 9-5 office jobs may consider approaching their superior with a proposal to provide their services on a telecommuting basis. The technology of e-mail, faxing, and home personal computers makes this a viable option for many mothers who work outside of the home. Consider contacting small businesses and professionals in your area to find out if there are clerical jobs they would be interested in outsourcing. Business owners benefit from these types of services because they don’t have to provide benefits to independent clerical staff.

Do you have a talent for photography? This is an easy business to start up. A good quality camera and effective advertising are the basics for getting started. Weddings, family portraits, graduation photos, local newspaper coverage, and candid photos of children are suggestions for target marketing.

If you enjoy baking and have a fantastic recipe, this can be the beginning of a successful home business. Begin by perfecting the recipe of your product and consider attractive and effective packaging. Check with local regulations for home-based food preparation for the public. Approach local bakeries and restaurants with your product. Statewide distribution of your culinary creation can lead to a lucrative business.

There are also many home-based business opportunities available with established companies. These positions are often advertised as consultant or representative sales positions for home and garden products and cosmetic companies. The name recognition these companies offer is definitely a benefit. There is also usually a support system in place to assist in building your home business.

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