Computer Weekly readers have their say
Beware of the age-old qualifications trap
The changes to the law and Ibukun Adebayo's views on ageism
(Computer Weekly, 19 September) are welcome, and they include one
suggestion that looks good, but it contains its own sting: "Equip
yourself with more qualifications than the 20-somethings."
Two organisations kicked me out - sorry, "let me go" - during my
40s, despite good internal reviews and the updating of my CV with
exciting qualifications. Was I too old? Passing by ideas of
paranoia or egotism, I think I was merely too expensive.
My CV got me interviews that I lost when the suggestion came up
that I was over qualified, and therefore, (I suspected) too
expensive. Notice how adverts seldom say what the salary is.
Early on I learned to leave my age off CVs, but how could I
disguise the years of development involved in gaining my experience
and qualifications? Keep the CV short, and when application forms
are insisted upon just enter edited highlights. Leave out schooling
because GCE is a dead giveaway when it is not a typo for GCSE.
Another trend played to my advantage despite the CV dilemma: I
took work on short-term contracts, demonstrated that I was useful
and was taken on "permanently". But I have also moved into IT
training because old people like me are acceptable there and I have
been in work ever since. So far.
Jonathan McColl
Some look distinguished, others had better buy
dye
Ibukun Adebayo's article on life after 40 (Computer Weekly, 19
September) is another of her brilliant articles.
One thing she failed to capture is the link between ageism and
sexism within IT. If you are a white male with greying hair, you
are described as distinguished and readily offered a senior role
regardless of your qualifications.
If you are anything else, then, as she said, reach for the dye
bottle and keep studying until you are hopefully noticed as having
more qualifications than anyone else in the reckoning for the same
job you are after.
Jane Lauder
Getting the edge on the 20-somethings
I agree with Ibukun Adebayo's views on ageism in the IT industry
(Computer Weekly, 19 September). As an IT support engineer in my
30s, I am encouraged and inspired by this article to improve myself
with more training and qualifications to add value to my
skills.
This will give me a competitive edge and a better chance to
compete with those 20-somethings vying for that position that would
make them my boss. I do not want to be redundant in IT because of
my age group.
Thanks to Adebayo for throwing more light on this issue. This
article was very empowering and encouraging.
Helen Agbarha
There is still life in IT after you turn 40
I read with interest Ibukun Adebayo's article (Computer Weekly,
19 September). There is a genuine worry that, once one reaches a
certain age, the career door looks more closed than open.
IT has been through this many times. I remember "restructuring"
in the 1980s and 1990s when companies decided that their salary
bills were getting out of hand and that bringing in younger, less
experienced staff would help to reduce their costs.
Maybe the new legislation will help, but I do think there is a
lot of luck in where you decide to take your career and which
companies you approach for that all important over-40 future. It
helps if you can empathise with those you have to work with, but
there are still plenty of opportunities out there.
One thing that has helped is the number of contract staff being
employed. Does a contractor normally put date of birth on their
CV?
I was already programming an IBM 1401 in assembler language when
Ibukun Adebayo was born. I can also remember the days before
Computer Weekly. I am still at the sharp end in IT, albeit not
programming, but still enjoying "being there".
And if you think this has been my only career, I had already
served in Her Majesties Forces for eight years before finding a
career in IT.
There is still life after 40, 50 and 60. Just go for it and
enjoy being there.
Alan Parker
Find the lady proves a very tricky problem
The promotion for the BCS IT professional awards (Computer
Weekly, 19 September), focusing on the women in IT award, was
illustrated by two pictures, one with exactly two women out of 13
previous BCS award-winners and one showing a male speaker.
I guess it speaks for the state of equality in our industry very
well.
Moray McConnachie, IS manager, Oxford Analytica
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