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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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Thank you!Thank you!