Is age an IT issue?Is age an IT issue?Understanding perception and Understanding perception and prejudice in our industryprejudice in our industry

15th July 2003Colin Barker

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Ageism in ITAgeism in IT

Public perception Computers are for the young - young men mostly Some truth in this: dominated by the rise of ‘young Turks’

Microsoft, Sun, Dell, etc In reality?

The perception is underlined - still a young image eg focus on ‘new’, ‘hip’, ‘cool’ - but inaccurate

Demographics of Computing close to the average for UK working population

In recent years IT has aimed for a more mature image. eg Big Blue

Year 2000 bought many back into the industry

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View from the Editor’s DeskView from the Editor’s Desk

Ageism is endemic - the most frequently complained about aspect of IT

Examples are numerous eg CVs unread ‘if age > 40’ or even ‘>35’

‘Ageist’ advertising ‘Committed and enthusiastic, min. 5 yrs exp’ means ‘only

apply if you are under 30’ Age bands too narrow eg Lords advertisement

Off the record - recruitment companies will often admit as much

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Contrary viewContrary view

Stop whinging

IT industry is no more ageist than any other

If you can’t get a job re-skill!

The culture of youth is a thing of the past - organisations now value experience as much as enthusiasm

No proof of ageism

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Personal experiencePersonal experience

Don’t apply if you’re over 35

Down-shifting - ‘ why on earth are YOU applying for this job?

Millennium bug - ‘revenge of the 80s nerds’

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The debateThe debate

Have you been a victim of ageism?

Do you know anyone who has been a victim?

Have you ever taken a decision that, on reflection, you would consider ageist?

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Thanks youThanks you

Sue Ashtiany, Head of Employment Law, Nabarro Nathanson

Richard Herring, Operations Director, Reed Technology Group

Is age an IT issue?Is age an IT issue?Finding out more - a research Finding out more - a research

proposalproposal

15th July 2003Colin Barker

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A research proposalA research proposal

Using the readership of Computing, IT Week and Computer Reseller News

Scientific survey Special Research Department within VNU Subscription-based newspapers so the demographics of

respondents are known, eg age, job title, skills, etc IT industry specific

In conjunction with Computing Age Positive BCS

Primary research - Summer. Publication, September/October

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Questions, contributions?Questions, contributions?

Colin_barker@vnu.co.uk!

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Thank you!Thank you!