Does anyone else experience gender discrimination in the IT world?

Question

I've been in and out of consultant programmer positions for the last 15 years (PHP, Java, mySQL, Oracle, SQL Server); however, people only respect and request my business analysis skills. I can't get anyone to take me seriously about my programming. No one has ever complained or been disappointed by my programming skills; but every client jumps to the conclusion that I am better suited to analysis. I get lots of pats-on-the-head for programming but genuine praise and respect for my analysis. I would prefer to focus on the wonderful challenge that programming and design offer... but no one wants to let me do it. Aaaarrgh!!!!!

Answer 1

So let me get this straight --- you offer people an alternative: hire you as a programmer (your preference) or hire you as an analyst. People hire you as an analyst, and you interpret that as "Gender discrimination"?

Did it ever occur to you that there's just a stronger need for Analysts? If you don't want to be an analyst, then simply stop offering that as a service.

As someone who has hired hundreds of people in my career, the fact of the matter is that in IT and software engineering, there is probably a factor of 20-1 men to women if not more. I'm not sure what explains this, but there's just far more men than women in the profession.

I'll give you some perspective from someone who sits on the other side of the desk. Having to fill positions is one of the most difficult aspects for any manager. Recruiting is a time consuming and frustrating process at the best of times. I'm trying to find the best person I can from an available pool of applicants, and I can guarantee you that race and gender absolutely do not enter into the equation -- there's simply no time for any of that.

Furthermore, I'm not alone in having studied effective team building, and am a strong believer in the theory that diverse teams work better and come up with better products.

I think what you've experienced is that in my experience women often bring better people skills to the table, and in analysis a huge part of the job is forging relationships with the stakeholders, clients and endusers. You clearly have good people skills and for this reason, people have sought to utilize you in that capactiy. This has nothing to do with gender discrimination. Sometimes the hardest thing in a career is standing on your principles and following where your heart leads you, even when those choices aren't rewarded in the marketplace. It's simple supply and demand.

Answer 2

Where does the "gender discrimination" come from? Clearly people have hired you and paid you money for analysis ( in my opinion worth a lot more) than programming, I'm miffed at the sexism assumption. Perhaps your code is good, but considering you are in demand for Analysis - they may assume you cost more for programming. Either way - if you are being compensated and appreciated - either your prgramming is mediocre, or they perceive it as too expensive or even a client thinks programming is beneath you. BUt they do praise you for your analysis - and again, in my experience (10 years with design firms, now a partner) I would take a quality analyst over a great programmer everyday.

It is a shame that our PC correct world has corrupted each and every facet with notions of "gender discrimination", "sexism", "racism" , etc. And it is even sadder that you have equated your treatment to this. Actually, I now am second guessing your ability to analyze - if this is your conclusion.

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar...

Answer 3

You could try de-emphasizing your background and skills in business analysis. Possibly leave them out of your resume entirely (if you can).

Maybe you are just plain so good at it that they feel you are the best for the job.

Answer 4

i've not faced gender discrimination. however, i've faced racial discrimination in my work places.