IT Week: Why did you choose to pursue an IT Masters degree?

Tonya Bohannon: I pursued the MSc to further my career in IT and to be given the respect the degree deserves. My employer asked me to assist a contractor in designing a new database that would make my co-workers’ daily workload more efficient. I was the only one in the department who had a BSc in Information Systems and understood the departmental needs more than the contractor. This incident played a key role in my decision to pursue an MSc in IT.

The technology sector is perceived as a male-dominated industry in which it is difficult for women to succeed. Have you faced challenges as a female working in IT?

There are definitely gender obstacles in the technology profession. I’ve endured many derogatory comments made about my choice in the technology field. My favorite comment was from a former boss: “How am I to take you seriously, you’re blonde. What do blondes know about technology? They only know how to have fun.” It’s hard to maintain a professional attitude when such negative comments are constantly being made.

How did these discriminatory attitudes affect your career?

In the beginning my career progression was extremely difficult. There were many times I wanted to leave the technology field because I was being overlooked for promotions. I would be handed the responsibilities yet the title and the salary typically were withheld. On one occasion, a promotion was given to a male colleague who did not have the experience or the knowledge base required to perform the job successfully, but I did. He constantly came to me and asked questions about his job.

How has your career progressed since obtaining your Masters?

After all the hard work obtaining the degree I found the company I was with frowned on highly-degreed individuals because there wasn’t any room for pro motions. I posted my CV on a career web site and within a couple of weeks I was offered a position with a company that respects the MSc degree. There are still challenges, but in obtaining the MSc degree, I have gained the respect from my male colleagues and increased my salary to match.

Do you find that the marketplace at present is more open to women taking roles in IT?

The IT world today has markedly changed since I began, especially since companies are trying to embrace diversity. Hence, firms are welcoming more women in the IT field. In most places, I typically was the only woman in the IT department, now there are a few. The field is still dominated by men; however, women are making their stand in the technology profession.