School girls inspired by women technology bosses

By Yixiang Zeng

Schools girls have been encouraged to take up jobs in technology, as part of a drive to get more women into non-traditional industries.

At an event organised by the Financial Mail on Sunday this week, young girls from schools or colleges across the country were presented with career alternatives, and ideas of essential qualities that employers are looking for.

The conference was chaired by panels of high-flying women professionals from all walks of life, ranging from banking, technology, enterprise, charity, and telecommunications.

Lisa Buckingham, editor of the Financial Mail on Sunday, said: “It is a chance to say to girls you do not need to be taking on traditional careers, and the event is to advise and show them what alternative ways girls can consider when making their career choices.”

“Is working in the technology industry too dull and boring for today's young girls, and is it more like a male-oriented industry?” asked Wendy Tan White, founder of web-hosting company Moonfruit.com.

The girls were silent about this, however, when both Ms White and Holly Tucker, co-founder of online shopping site notonthehighstreet.com, asked how many of them use Facebook, Twitter or shop online, most of the girls hands shot up.

Ms Tucker encouraged them not to be scared when kicking off a career in the field: “Technology is just everywhere and everyone is using it in their daily life.”

The issue of deciding who can be a role model for today's young girls was sparked by Helen Cook, sales leader for IBM Global Technology Services across UK and Ireland, who said that her daughter told her: “Mummy, I want to be a star.”

Many girls at the event eagerly agreed with the notion that the desire for fame is a factor when determining a career path. “Yes, we want to be famous. I have got passion for acting.” said Genna Tourh, from Avonbourne School.

The girls were also introduced to apprenticeship schemes by British Gas, BT and several other companies, which help them learn new skills while earning basic wages.

Charlotte Parker, from Leicester High School for Girls, said: “It's such a stimulating conference and I feel I'm quite inspired. We know these things almost only until today because companies rarely come to our schools to talk to us about their programmes, so is a very good chance for us to broaden our minds.”

When asked why there is a lack of co-operation between schools and companies for introducing such schemes, Maureen Traquair, education manager from The Oil & Gas Academy, an organisation that bridges industry and educational institutions, said: “Most of the local companies do not market to schools, or some of them I know are even banging the schools' doors, but schools do not respond.”

Sue Cunningham, a teacher from Newport Girls’ High School, said: “It mainly depends on the school's curriculum, a practical-based college will be more willing to work with companies than those sixth-forms preparing pupils to university.”

“I wish my girls will bring what they have heard today back to school and share with other girls, their passion, energy, hard-working nature, drive to succeed and no fear of failing, which are very inspirational for our girls.”