Is age an IT issue? Understanding perception and prejudice in our industry 15th July 2003 Colin...
11
Is age an IT issue? Is age an IT issue? Understanding perception and Understanding perception and prejudice in our industry prejudice in our industry 15th July 2003 Colin Barker
Transcript of Is age an IT issue? Understanding perception and prejudice in our industry 15th July 2003 Colin...
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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’
6
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?
7
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
9
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
11
Thank you!Thank you!
