http://www.sqlmag.com/authors/author/author/5174335/rsscomment/5174335en-USFri, 25 May 2012 10:49:27 GMTFri, 25 May 2012 10:49:27 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/live-from-teched-monday#commentsAnchorThu, 07 Jun 2007 12:24:51 GMT
I’ve watched some video of the event, and Christopher Lloyd is still as zany as he was when the first Back to the Future was released. Doesn’t look like he’s aged much, either! Obviously, the secret to longevity must involve manipulating the space-time-continuum in some fashion. Or maybe it has something to do with driving a De Lorean DMC-12? Not sure....]]>JeffThu, 07 Jun 2007 12:24:51 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/live-from-teched-monday#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorSun, 04 Mar 2007 22:48:50 GMT
Hi Dianne, I came across these links http://www.intel.com/business/vpro/industry_support/isv.htm and http://www.intel.com/business/vpro/industry_support/itsp.htm]]>GunjanSun, 04 Mar 2007 22:48:50 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorThu, 01 Mar 2007 10:10:41 GMT
Hello rgunjan, I haven’t yet come across management software designed for Intel AMT. I think AMT is an interesting technology, but I don’t see ISVs building applications to take advantage of it. If you or anyone else are aware of such apps, I’d like to hear about them.]]>DianneThu, 01 Mar 2007 10:10:41 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorTue, 27 Feb 2007 23:14:43 GMT
Hi Dianne, Have you also come across IT management software that has been designed for Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT)? What are your views on that?]]>GunjanTue, 27 Feb 2007 23:14:43 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/news2/turning-the-help-desk-into-an-it-service-management-suitcase-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/conquering-challenges-reaping-rewards#commentsAnchorSat, 26 Aug 2006 04:44:01 GMT
Recently I surfed a Mathmatics tutorial online resource named math tutoring for e-kids to develop their skills online]]>RachelSat, 26 Aug 2006 04:44:01 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/conquering-challenges-reaping-rewards#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorTue, 16 Aug 2005 15:13:14 GMT
My current IT (Director/Manager) used to be the HR Leader. He didn’t realize that the blue screen of death was a ’bad thing’. Obviously TECHNICAL skills aren’t key to running an IT shop. ]]>Anonymous User Tue, 16 Aug 2005 15:13:14 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 08 Jul 2005 13:56:19 GMT
As a long time IT consultant, I see it like this. At some point you go from running a project to managing several projects. Instead of managing the systems/networks, you begin to manage people, time and other resources. In my experience, you can stay technical, but you will definitely no longer be the "top tech guy" Chris]]>CHRISFri, 08 Jul 2005 13:56:19 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 03 Jun 2005 13:31:50 GMT
As a Tech Mgr, I hire the best in their field for the technical areas I support. The Techies are SUPPOSED to be smarter than me in their field. They are the ones that keep up to the latest technology and training and DO the work. They keep me informed, and with my former knowledge as a techie, and also knowledge of budgets, business process, top-down management goals, I am ultimately the one that makes the bottom line decisions]]>Anonymous User Fri, 03 Jun 2005 13:31:50 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorTue, 31 May 2005 16:01:41 GMT
After having worked in both worlds for some time, I would have to suggest managing a level 2 or 3 help desk is what allowed me the opps. to stay ’technical’ while managing a group of seven.]]>Anonymous User Tue, 31 May 2005 16:01:41 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorTue, 31 May 2005 08:02:03 GMT
I think you need to choose a path. Personally in my last role I was pushed towards doing a management role and that was one of the reasons I left. I just enjoy the tech stuff too much currently. At 34 I’m reinvigorated by a Sys Admin role where almost all my time is spent on just that, I just love it! You need to decide if you are happy to keep on the techie path or if you maybe want more rewards. Also from what I see management jobs are less family friendly with the expectation of extra hrs etc. Certainly my current and previous managers both work crazy hours that I would never do with a young family. Whether you can learn to get job satisfaction from doing through others is key. Although I ’ran away’ to a better techie job I did look into management and read the brilliant ’One Minute Manager’ books - I heartily recommend them. Should I ever be considering taking the plunge again I’ll definitely be re-reading them.]]>ChrisTue, 31 May 2005 08:02:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorTue, 31 May 2005 06:50:24 GMT
I have never met a good manager that was also a good techie - they were either one or the other. From my experience, IT Managers that think they are good technically are deluding themselves. They normally wade into problems unaware of the consequences of their actions and cause more problems than they solve (I have numerous examples of this). As a techie, I spend all my working day and a considerable part of my personal life keeping uptodate on technical issues and new developments - how can you do this properly if you have to manage a department as well?? If you are a techie, spend your time doing techie things to stay on top, if you are a manager, spend your time on managerial duties and leave the techinical stuff to the techies. Whatever you do, do it well. It serves no-one to be "a bit of this and a bit of that".]]>Anonymous User Tue, 31 May 2005 06:50:24 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorMon, 30 May 2005 11:00:48 GMT
Yes, you will lose some of you technical. Remember are you there to do or are your there to manage? I have worked for some great managers in the past with little or no technical skills. They were the ones that would focus on getting the answers I needed and removing road block so that I could focus on getting my job done.]]>Anonymous User Mon, 30 May 2005 11:00:48 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 27 May 2005 12:47:38 GMT
Why not be the best of both worlds. If you are dedicated there is no reason why you should loose any skills on either side. Time is the key, you have to dedicate some of your personal time and get intuned with all the new technology that is being used in your company. There are only 2 ways in this industry up and down. If you want to reach the peak I suggest you sacrifice your personal time. How bad do you want to become the best you can be professionally.? That is the question you must ask yourself? Do you want to be a PATTI WON or a MASTER JEDI!!!!]]>Anonymous User Fri, 27 May 2005 12:47:38 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 27 May 2005 11:20:32 GMT
I’m a technician that moved to IT Management. My skills have suffered, mostly in the areas that least interested me. I am sure that my staff wonder "how I can be the boss?" when I am not as current as they are. On the other hand, I am more valuable to my firm than techs, thus the rewards are greater. If you are missing full time tech-ing, then perhaps management is not for you.]]>Anonymous User Fri, 27 May 2005 11:20:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 27 May 2005 07:54:22 GMT
Your technical skills will suffer from time spent in management.]]>Anonymous User Fri, 27 May 2005 07:54:22 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorFri, 27 May 2005 03:06:22 GMT
I’m not in management myself - and always preferred a tech role. But now I am grey and old (an ancient 35) I’m beginning to get combat fatigue from all the new changes and all the new technology. NOT a good sign in IT - as it is inevitable part of being in the business. I imagine being a Manager you can free yourself (to some degree) from this. Sure you need technology awareness to make informed decisions. That is critical, plus its important not to let tech-savy people blind you with "science". But the nitty-gritty can be left who are less jaded - such as the fiesty young wippersnappers who are 26... God, I’m feeling burnt out this morning, whereas the Viagra...?]]>Anonymous User Fri, 27 May 2005 03:06:22 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorThu, 26 May 2005 16:03:37 GMT
I’ve been in the IT industry for over fiftenn years now and have moved from tech whiz to (hopefully:)) a good IT manager. I think you definitely have to sacrifice technical expertise for management skills and knowledge. Doing ’managerial’ jobs takes you away from the day to day tech stuff that kept you on the edge.]]>Anonymous User Thu, 26 May 2005 16:03:37 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/can-an-it-manager-still-be-a-technical-whiz-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorSun, 22 May 2005 04:59:33 GMT
Hi Dianne, I am working for a company where I am the only female developer. Many times I find it hard to find appreciation for a job that I have finished better and faster then any of my male collegues. But all this only inspires me to do my future jos even faster and better. They have inspired me to lead a competition. I loved your article and has given me a new inspiration and strength.]]>Anonymous User Sun, 22 May 2005 04:59:33 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorWed, 30 Mar 2005 17:34:03 GMT
On a somewhat unrelated topic, does anyone know where I can find a list of definitions of the various roles in IT? The industry famously creates titles for itself but I suspect some of the titles duplicate the work performed. (From another "proud to be geek")]]>Anonymous User Wed, 30 Mar 2005 17:34:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorWed, 30 Mar 2005 11:41:13 GMT
I personally take being called a geek a compliment. I am not only in IT (having background in many areas of IT) but I also game, rp,watch anime, collect comics, the list goes on and on. But I love being social too. I get people together to game. I go to conventions to meet people. At work I also get involved with the users. I’m in a more Systems Analyst role now and I love it. Because I am able to work with the users and help them understand how to get the technology to make their job easier. I’ve already had many comments thanking me for making "computer stuff" make sense to them. For me, sitting behind a monitor and never talking to anyone was not an option. But I wanted to go into IT. And I think I’ve found an area that I can be very interactive with users and proactive with technology. There is nothing wrong with being a geek. I also think that right now it seems being a geek is kindof cool. I’ve had plenty of guys be amazed that I love football, but can spank their butt in Dead or Alive. ^_^ ]]>Anonymous User Wed, 30 Mar 2005 11:41:13 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorTue, 29 Mar 2005 15:46:01 GMT
The question has to be raised about why IT funding is ’in the toilet’. Is it fundamentally because businesses have not seen the outcomes of IT that they were promised when ’anyone who had a pulse and knew what a computer was’ were able to dazzle with bull*? Businesses have IT setups to allow them to run their businesses better. The technology is just the tool set. What they need is to be able to use the tool set and see the results. I believe that they dont know and / or dont understand how to use the tools. The result is that they have spent the money (and get caught up in the spiral of continual upgrades) without seeing the rewards. They dont see that they need to learn to use these tools effectively to get the rewards. But they are not going to spend more money on them because they have been burned in the past. ]]>Anonymous User Tue, 29 Mar 2005 15:46:01 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorWed, 09 Mar 2005 13:27:42 GMT
The only way for Big IT to dangle the carrot again is to come up with another Y2K. In 1998 and 1999, if you had a pulse and knew what a computer was, you could get a job making big bucks. Now, as the IT field as an industry begins to mature, those really nice big dollar jobs aren’t there any more. Thanks also to the H1B jobs our congress has continued to allow, further eroding the job base. Regardless, IT is beginning to mature and it’s harder to get those jobs because there are fewer and fewer of them, it’s harder to justify the expenditures anymore. IT spending is in the toilet, has been for a few years now. Trends say it’s going to change but thanks to SOX compliance (and other new federal business regs), that money is going into finding out how to become compliant; not new jobs just complicating the hell out of our existing ones. Is education the problem? Not for IT. This is a field that sees dramatic changes with a new major OS from MS every 3 years and major changes to development tools at least as often. When it takes 4+ years to get an advanced degree, by the time you graduate you have outdated knowledge. Its impossible to educate people in things that don’t yet exist. Kids today know that and they are smart enough already to run away. It’s not right to combine other forms of engineering and advanced educations in with IT because of the resons above. When was the last time entire archectural design methodologies were completely revamped, history of work dumped and was started over? How about automotive engineering? We see new cars all the time but the basic design has been around since 1900 - 4 wheels, an engine, space for occupants and a method for controling speed and direction. Signed ’Used up and burned out’ ]]>Anonymous User Wed, 09 Mar 2005 13:27:42 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 09 Mar 2005 11:57:07 GMT
Ok article; you could have made your point better if you used references to the "IT job environment and the women in it" to keep it more "on topic". Most everyone went through that sort of thing as a teen, but as an adult in the IT field, if you can’t deal with ridicule and re-evaluating yourself every so often, then you’re a lost soul. -Anonymous Male.]]>Anonymous User Wed, 09 Mar 2005 11:57:07 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorWed, 09 Mar 2005 11:03:32 GMT
An interesting view of "losing the IT edge". Not what I expected to read. However, I think the matter of losing the edge in the IT sector is not a schooling issue alone. Yes we need to overhaul some of our techniques in education but the REAL problem happens when those High School graduates have to make the decision of what career path they want to take. Like anyone else, the goal of making big bucks is prime time in their thoughts of career choices. The IT industry just doens’t have that kind of income anymore in the US. The outsourcing of tech jobs overseas has devalued the average highly skilled IT job to well below what it should be worth. Obviously this is taken into account by the undergrads and although the hard-core tech nuts may , more often than not, choose the tech path, the casual enthusiast who would have had his/her interest piqued with the allure of large salaries is left soured by the once bright future in IT and "cool" stuff they learned in HS to only find out that the real world industry is the pits. You might ask yourself "For what reason?" .. money on the corporate scale; the bottom line profit. Never-mind Joe Q who really wants to work in the sector but can’t risk the low salary or who thumb’s his nose at the sector becuase of the lack of incentive. Big IT in America is chewing up the American IT edge from the inside out. If there is little incentive , then there is little forward movement. So come on Big IT..dangle the carrot for us again!]]>Anonymous User Wed, 09 Mar 2005 11:03:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/u-s-to-lose-it-edge-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorMon, 07 Mar 2005 08:31:07 GMT
I’m the evil white geek whose comments back to Dianne were so predominately used in the March issue of Windows IT Pro. It is in this article we see just a little of the point I was trying to make. And that is that women and men have different sensibilities when it comes to careers or anything else for that matter. As for the social aspects of the job, my partner and I know everybody at our site, and they know us. Not know OF us. All jobs have a social workplace aspect of them, and when someone calls me geek, I thank them. I tell them that geeks are superheros, but to never call me a nerd. What a person puts in to a job, IT or other is what you get out. If your reserved and anti-social, guess what? To anyone female or otherwise: If your thinking about IT, good give it a try. But if you want to make your workplace more social, try smiling at everyone. Even if they don’t smile back. Not a big stupid grin, but a "I’m happy" smile. You’d be surprised how fast your workplace social life improves.]]>Anonymous User Mon, 07 Mar 2005 08:31:07 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorFri, 04 Mar 2005 13:51:10 GMT
Ok Diane "According to Dekker, "Some issues brought up included fears that their friends will think [working in IT] is a geeky thing to do, and that IT work is not very social." Yes, that is how EVERYONE feels because of the jokes and wisecracks that people in IT have to submit to. "They were concerned that there were limitations for women in this area of technology, and they felt there is a stigma associated with IT in terms of it not being a very exciting place to work" I think that this statement is crap. but, that is the stigma that society has developed. NOT MALES. Look GEEKs on CALL, GEEK PATROL. These are MALES with broken classes dressed up like the "Revenge of the Nerds". Didn’t seem WOMEN exposed as this.... This is gettign ridiculous. I am glad that you point these things out..... What really should be going on is a push from MEDIA to change these impressions for all. BUT, then you might be able to write about this.... ]]>Anonymous User Fri, 04 Mar 2005 13:51:10 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/exploring-it-and-the-geek-factor-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/windows-it-pro-resources-for-women-in-it#commentsAnchorFri, 04 Mar 2005 13:47:31 GMT
Just curious.... why there needs to be a difference. This is a hard industry where management and now every college grad is a COMPUTER EXPERT. People that work in industry have take the jokes from Dilbert to Saturday Night Live and most see people that work in this industry as little hobbits locked up in a computer closet somewhere. That we have no sense of business understanding. NOW.... we have to read about how WOMEN are all upset. Everyday I hear women Engineers complaining, Accounting womens complaining. We are developing a society of promoting complaining so media like this can thrive over lack of providing essential material and skills to help improve us all and achieve more within this industry. I have fun reading the new BLOGs, I have to say, IF YOU WORK AT A PLACE WHERE A MAN TREATS YOU BAD, HE IS THE ***, NOT EVERY MALE!!!! LEARN THAT DIFFERENCE. IF YOU GO TO HR AND NOTHING HAPPENS FIND A NEW JOB OR SUE THE COMPANY! Now, lets all talk about ways to improve technology usage and guidelines for EVERYONE.... ]]>Anonymous User Fri, 04 Mar 2005 13:47:31 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/windows-it-pro-resources-for-women-in-it#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/certification-strategy#commentsAnchorWed, 02 Mar 2005 19:35:13 GMT
m$ is ****]]>b Wed, 02 Mar 2005 19:35:13 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/certification-strategy#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorSun, 27 Feb 2005 12:10:33 GMT
I love this... and can truly relate to it on many levels. I work for a consulting company and am the only female network engineer in the company. When I asked for a raise, the response was "Some people don’t like women working on their networks." I had never had this problem and in fact showed data that I was bringing in more revenue than the male counterparts. Got my raise, but it does take additional effort :-) Looking forward to additional comments by readers. You Go Girl! ]]>Anonymous User Sun, 27 Feb 2005 12:10:33 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/certification-strategy#commentsAnchorThu, 24 Feb 2005 06:16:03 GMT
Seems this article/discussion always comes up, with ultimately the same conclusion. In my opinion it would always come down to your interviewing skills and the potential employers need/requirements. Considering the lack luster market for IT, even now, some 5 years after the bubble burst, and the saturated candidate pool, it would seem it all comes down to YOU the candidate and your abilites to prove yourself in the interviewing process.]]>JEREMYThu, 24 Feb 2005 06:16:03 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/training-and-certification2/certification-strategy#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorMon, 21 Feb 2005 09:03:59 GMT
I find it offensive that women and men are being stereotyped as always interacting in a certain way. I’m female and part of the "geek culture" at work. I don’t use computers in a "different way" than my coworkers. I think we need to treat people as individuals, and make no assumptions about how they’ll act based on their gender.]]>Anonymous User Mon, 21 Feb 2005 09:03:59 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorSat, 19 Feb 2005 16:32:43 GMT
Your Article was really wonderful, I am a male & I was insulted by the person who hired me saying that "i’m not a technician". But, I won’t step back, I’ll keep on moving & finally achieve my ambition. I know that to reach the highest point in IT industry, I’ll have to suffer a lot. I was really depressed/broken after hearing that sarcastic words. After reading your Article, I’ve got encouragement to go further.. Thanks a lot.]]>Anonymous User Sat, 19 Feb 2005 16:32:43 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorFri, 18 Feb 2005 06:31:46 GMT
Speaking to the women reading this article, we have known that this is a male dominated field. Complain? Not from me. My last IT job 3 years ago was for a large corporation that had more women in the IT department than men. Personally, it was the worst job in my life. The bias, although, was the hardest thing to overcome in this particular job, where male Electrical Engineers where the majority. When I would answer a call it was downright rude to hear, "Can I talk to someone who can help?" when they were already talking to the highest level of support in the call center. I am now working in the pharma industry as a Systems Engineer in a small comfy all male environment. I love the fact that I’m the only woman. Being a small IT team, I have come to learn and see the differences men and women have in their approach to problems. Granted, it depends on the individual’s personality and characteristics, but it’s quite interesting to see how differently both genders handle stress in a relatively high-stress environment. There is one other person on my team that I would trust be levelheaded in a crunch. The rest of the males, sad to say are useless (when it comes to stress tolerance). I’m not saying these males aren’t good in their areas; they all have a place where they excel. Mostly, in my 7 years in IT - I have learned you cannot be a woman in this industry without having a sense of humor and the ability to "hang with the guys". Being a ***** will get you nowhere fast. ]]>Anonymous User Fri, 18 Feb 2005 06:31:46 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Feb 2005 07:27:02 GMT
Interesting and understandable perspective. One thing I’ve noticed is the way prominent women in politics are treated by the media--they always begin by talking about their hairstyle, clothes, and/or age (see recent stories about Condoleeza Rice in Europe). They rarely do this about prominent men.]]>RobThu, 17 Feb 2005 07:27:02 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorThu, 17 Feb 2005 07:24:26 GMT
I’ve worked with AND FOR female professionals in my 30 years in IT. Key word here being "professionals". Women can be just as professional as men. What you’re really complaining about here is prejudice. In vocations requiring physical strength, it’s much more difficult for women to compete, but in those like IT that primarily only require "brain power", not only can they compete, but can excel depending on the individual task/project. They do tend to have a different perspective on things, but in IT, a different view is usually a good thing. So, what’s next? Let’s talk about women in ....Lawn Mowing? Give it up. it’s NOT the vocation, it’s the blinders that BOTH sexes have as to what is REALLY important... CAN he/she DO the job....Professionally?]]>Anonymous User Thu, 17 Feb 2005 07:24:26 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 18:51:54 GMT
Perseverance is the key. As a woman who has been continuously employed in IT for 25 years, I barely notice the naysayers anymore. Or perhaps I never did... When recently discussing the news about numbers of women in IT, a male made this remark "I’m a country boy from Iowa, and I can do anything I want to!" My reply was "I was a farm girl from Minnesota, and so can I!" I’ll be watching your blog, Dianne, it promises to be quite interesting.]]>SofarSogoodWed, 16 Feb 2005 18:51:54 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 16:26:26 GMT
Dianne, apparently some men missed your point but demonstrated your example. Keep running ahead of the others :)]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 16:26:26 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 11:55:08 GMT
Its nice to hear what you have to say, but I agree, this is an IT pro Magazine. Keep it tech. show us what you you can do not what you can say. ]]>ErickWed, 16 Feb 2005 11:55:08 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 10:20:39 GMT
This thing is called ’Windows IT Pro Magazine RSS feed’. I have better things to do. If I wanted to read about cheezy high school girls stories, I would have subscribed to something else. Please stop now.]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 10:20:39 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 10:02:50 GMT
Well said Dianne. Discrimation and ridicule can be soul destroying. No wonder there arent many women in IT if they have to put up with this sort of thing. In fact Ive never worked for an IT company that had female developers in it.]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 10:02:50 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 09:35:53 GMT
Is there any way to block your blog, Dianne? Get over it already. Sure, Anonymous. You obviously don’t like it, so why do you feel you need to keep reading? You can block it yourself by not looking at it. Dianne ]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 09:35:53 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/if-you-can-t-beat-them-make-fun-of-them-instead#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 05:51:39 GMT
Yes there are many angles - here is mine: I am exacting, have worked hard and & built my expertise to where I am confident that I am equal to the best in my (niche) IT field. This is now acknowledged across my industry, but it took a long time, perhaps partly because I do not "wear my brain on my sleeves", as it feels like boasting - perhaps a female trait? Conversely, I see (male) peers exaggerating their abilities, and it actually gets them places, often at the cost of poor service to our clients. If discovered, they are happy to shift the blame to someone else. I believe in sharing my skills and knowledge, not so common in this industry, many seem scared sharing will reduce their own value. In return, often colleagues, associates and even competitors have no qualms in passing my work off as their own - although their lack of ability does sometimes trip them up, again generally resulting in poor client service, and blaming another. As a female in a mostly male environment it is easy to blame the gender difference. However we all know there is "good and bad in everyone" and who is to say that if it were mostly female there would not be similar, if not the same, issues? At times I have worked with an equally skilled male and our macro/micro views, and other gender dynamics, have balanced so well, building an overall better outcome. I DO believe men and women *CAN* bring different attributes to the table; even within our genders we are all so different - I see the challenge being to bring out the best in both genders. ]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 05:51:39 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorWed, 16 Feb 2005 04:45:48 GMT
I agree with a lot of what has been said already. IT is competative and survival of the fittest, but does that mean technically gifted or just being able to bully managers to gain success and keep others down? Frankly what I see from both genders is a load of backstabbing, I’m sure that exists everywhere, in all careers. I think, you can generally deal with such things when it is your own gender, however a whole lot of psychology comes to play when it’s between genders. Men and Women talk about each other’s partners...get over it, some of the things I’ve heard women say about husbands is quite immature too! What I will say is that as a male, I have worked with three female colleagues, and one male , that were just after power and wanted to rule the roost...the females were technically incapable,the male used to do UX support, but they all succeeded in twisting situations so their work was delegated to others and were nothing short of bullies, they were prepared to corporately murder your career. I think it is a question of making sure that your employment process ensures that you get NICE, CONSIDERATE and INTELLIGENT people that can work together, from both genders, either that or see if there is DNA testing available that can spot the Psycho traits before employement.]]>Anonymous User Wed, 16 Feb 2005 04:45:48 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorTue, 15 Feb 2005 14:28:05 GMT
As a woman in the IT field now for about 12 years, I haven’t really noticed much difference to men who are in IT vs. men in general. Sure there is the competitive latest toy ego issues that all men in IT seem to have... that gets tiring. But I think the most offensive thing as the only woman in a 14 person dept, was how they all complained about their wives. It just re-iterated how juvinelle they all were. As far as sexism goes in the Mathematics and Sciences, the only time I’ve felt held back by men was when my high school counselor (a man)said I didn’t require the high math courses, and then again in college when my peers (I was a math major) treated me as either too stupid to hang out with (if I hadn’t bothered studying) or too over achieving (if I had studied). Seems I either didn’t cut the mustard or was else I was too threatening... never was I a true peer. I think a bigger obstacle for myself in IT was to overcome the rest of the world’s stereotype of it. It seems all companies view IT personnel as necessary slaves... these depts don’t want computers, but since they have to use them and they break down, they have to call us. I think companies that treat their IT departments with respect are few and far between.]]>Anonymous User Tue, 15 Feb 2005 14:28:05 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorTue, 15 Feb 2005 12:00:37 GMT
As a male who has been in IT for 12 years. Personally, I am tired of the kind of "one-up-man-ship" and "out geeking each other" competitiveness of males in IT. I spend most of my time managing tempromental male egos, who need constant reassurance about the status in the company, society and classroom - real "toys in the pram" stuff... I find most of my collegues - aggressive, hostile, unco-operative, unwilling to share information - in fact all the kind of traits I thought had been left behind in the schoolyard. No wonder women are not interested in IT, if there is exist a wall of borish and chavanistic men. Its about time we ditched the notion of "as long as you strive you will succeed" - and finally recognise that oddly enough in a WASP bias society if you happen to be White and Male - then shock horror you get paid more and get better life chances than if you were female or black. The bigger question is how do we break down the barriers to these fields - which have come bastions against social change. Mike]]>Anonymous User Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:00:37 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorTue, 15 Feb 2005 11:46:32 GMT
1. We are in a male dominated society so everything is rated that way. It won’t change in any of our lifetimes so we need to accept it and move on. 2. Don’t worry about other people’s comments. As in Summer’s comments, it shows how narrow minded he is. You’ll never change his mind and if you force change, the other side will push back. 3. You, I and everyone else will excel in their natural gifts regardless of what someone else says. If you’re made for IT, law or basketball, then you’ll be good at it whether your a man or woman. ]]>Anonymous User Tue, 15 Feb 2005 11:46:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/commentary/gender-differences-in-math-and-science-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorWed, 02 Feb 2005 15:14:33 GMT
I would disagree. I am a qualified (certified with experience) and I still find it hard to find a professional career, much less respect, in the IT industry. Though a reserved (but not shy) and professional person, socially I am dismissed by male counterparts my age in my field. (They are for the most part truly immature creatures who either pay attention to you with the expectation for sex or think of you as a skank regardless of how you carry yourself.) Even while in college, I was passed up for campus jobs I was more than qualified for in favor of males with much less experience. I was brought up with a PC, and friends rely on me for computer support. I initially was a comp sci major, but I eventually switched to political science/statistics. I realize some of my struggle my derive from my major though my experience and training more than compensate for my BA.]]>Anonymous User Wed, 02 Feb 2005 15:14:33 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorMon, 24 Jan 2005 10:08:49 GMT
I think it’s goofy that ’expert’ researchers say it’s "societal, familial, and scholastic pressure on women discourages an interest in computer science beginning in childhood" - hogwash! My daughter grew up with a PC, just like my sons. She’s not interested in IT because she thinks it’s boring sitting in front of a CRT in a cubicle. I have to agree. Maybe women are just ’different’ - dare I say, more social and less prone to pursue a ’pointy head’ career.]]>Anonymous User Mon, 24 Jan 2005 10:08:49 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorSun, 16 Jan 2005 11:56:32 GMT
Hi I am from the UK. Female and work in IT for the last 6-7 years. I am MCSE, CCNA, and CCA qualified yet I find that a lot of time I am just not taken seriously even though I am much more knowledgeable and a lot of the time managed to solve problems other simply can not yet many times when technical questions/discussions are asked/discussed I still seem to be missed out from such events. It is simply frustrating.]]>Anonymous User Sun, 16 Jan 2005 11:56:32 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorhttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchorWed, 29 Dec 2004 11:15:53 GMT
what’s the point? I’m not a programmer, but a Sys Admin. When I first started, I encountered resistance from my male colleagues, but now that I’m older and have more confidences, I don’t get that much. Interestingly though, I still resistance from older male collegues, but the younger ones that came from the dot.com era don’t really care if I am male or female as long as I can do the job. There will always be some who will think females are less technical, but eventually they’ll need help. ]]>DaisyWed, 29 Dec 2004 11:15:53 GMThttp://www.sqlmag.com/article/windows-client/women-in-it-#commentsAnchor