Despite better economic data showing a global recovery, unemployment is still at its highest point since 1983. Today, risk is an important criterion in job-seekers’ decision-making.
Information technology (IT) is a relatively stable industry and is actually growing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDL), technology jobs are expected to grow at a faster pace than those in other professions, up to 25% over the next ten years.
IT has a lot of work ahead of it when it comes to hiring, especially for women. According to the National Center for Women and IT (NCWIT), the percentage of women working in IT has dropped since the 1980s. Despite this, women are now holding more jobs in almost all sciences than men. Moreover, IT workers are leaving at alarming rates: 56 percent of IT employees leave at the mid-level.
“Technical women value professional development above all else, yet many IT companies don’t foster career advancement programs, says Telle Whitney, president and CEO, Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (ABI). “Companies should encourage career development and mentoring for women. This will help to achieve gender balance in the workplace, and allow women to remain in higher positions.
CA, Inc. is one of these companies that recognizes the importance of supporting and retaining women in IT. CA has a female workforce that is approximately one-third of their total workforce, which is in line with the industry average. CA sponsors programs that mentor and support women. CA is also a partner with ABI and participates at the Women Leadership Conference, New York.
