This very interesting article from NY Times writer, Stephanie Rosenbloom, shows that a new generation of girls will radically transform the workplace. Think about this. The Pew Internet and American Life Project found that 35% of girls (against 20% of boys) write blogs with similar statistics for web pages. That means that by the time these girls come into the workforce — in the next 3-5 years — they will come with a depth of real experience. They will understand how to communicate. They will know how to manage a readership/audience. They will comprehend analytics and measurements. And they will be able to demonstrate a clear self-starting approach to their careers.
While these are not necessarily skills that will drive more girls into technology-related careers, the very fact that they are already engaged in these types of initiatives bodes well for the businesses that will employ them. And from where I sit, that makes it a win-win.
Mark Penn has some interesting stuff on this in his book Microtrends. According to Penn, more than half of the news analysts, anchors, reporters, and correspondents today are women. In public relations, women account for 70 percent of the professionals.
As for women in technology, there have always been a few. I can remember Anita Borg talking about the need to engage young women early. There have been attempts to do that for two decades at least and not much seems to have come of it. I think that will change.
As computing gets more social and horizontal, women will find it a more congenial place. That will entice more of those with interest and aptitude to explore the possibilities.
Wally,
I for one am hopeful that technology has a “leveling the field” impact for women in business leadership positions. If Stephanie Rosenbloom’s article and the Pew study are any indication, it appears that this may in fact come to be in the coming years!
Nina
Jim,
Thanks for including me in your “Today’s Tip”! I enjoy your blogs as well and have added your “Women at work” section to my links so that others can benefit from the insights as well.
Nina