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Life has many stepping stones but choosing
a career shouldn't be one. Many young females are taking a more
challenging direction by selecting careers in the information
technology/ research fields which are primarily dominated by
males.
 Amber
Jones, web design/computer software student at Meridian Technology
Center, is an example of someone who is pursuing a career in
information technology and is determined to succeed.
"I chose this field because I enjoy computers and I also
believe that God has lead me in this direction," Jones said.
Jones is part of a mentoring project called GirlTech,
set up by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education,
that pairs female students with mentors who work in their chosen
field. This program allows the students to see the success that
females have achieved in information technology/research professions.
Students and mentors participate in job shadowing, professional
development and on-line mentoring programs.
"GirlTech is a mentoring pilot project designed to
help female students succeed in non traditional career paths,"
said Kelly Arrington, guidance coordinator at the state CareerTech
agency and GirlTech coordinator. "We are focusing
on the information technology (IT) and scientific research/engineering
professions."
Jones has been paired with Dr. Susan Stansberry, assistant professor
in library media technology at Oklahoma State University.
"My mentor has taught me to be confident in my work and
believes that if you put your mind to something you can achieve
it," Jones said. "Being a girl and seeing the success
that Dr. Stansberry has achieved, shows me that I can be successful.
All I have to do is put my mind to it."
Jones feels that GirlTech is a very beneficial program.
It has allowed her to make many contacts with people and has
shown her that girls can be just as successful as guys.
Jones is very focused on her career path and already has a jump
start on it. During the afternoon she is a web design specialist
at HyperNet Solutions Inc., a computer system designing/ consulting
firm, and in the evenings is a part-time instructor in Microsoft
Office Products at Meridian Technology Center.
"I enjoy teaching computer classes because I like to help
people learn new programs," she said. "It also helps
me become more proficient in what I know how to do."
She also has been very successful in her studies while at Meridian
Technology Center. She won the state Nontraditional Award for
Business Professionals of America (BPA), perfect attendance,
and has been named the Outstanding Student for the past three
years.
Entering a male-dominated field may be discouraging to some,
but Jones and other GirlTech members see what opportunities
await them and are confident about what their future holds.
"You can accomplish anything if you set your goals high
and stay focused," Jones said. "Don't let the information
technology field discourage you, go for what you want!"
posted 6/7/2002
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