Technology equals high pay for women

Women interested in Information Technology are excelling as specialists and proven performers.

The Computing Science and Information Systems (CSIS) program at Douglas College holds the key to their success.

"It's the women in our classes who have proven to be top performers both academically and professionally," says chair Raymond Yu. "After finishing the program their high marks and professionalism translate into the world of high-paying jobs and exceptional career prospects."

One reason for that success is the CSIS program's cutting-edge and progressive program design. Students learn the principles and theories of computer technology and can take advantage of co-op employment opportunities. This combination helps launch women directly into a successful career.

"This job market is hot. BC Work Futures reports an estimated 11,169 new job openings projected to 2011 with an average annual salary of $50,000," says Yu.

Douglas computing grad Karime Guimaraes is happy about her career choice. "Earning potential is definitely more than your average job with lots of room to grow as your duties expand."

Guimaraes, a Network Services-Workstation Analyst with Phillips, Hager & North - one of Canada's most respected investment management firms - says her job is always changing, with new duties being added.

"New technology is coming out constantly, which keeps things exciting, instead of dull and repetitive. There are so many different areas in technology that you can explore and branch off into. I'm always learning new things, or learning how to do something more efficiently. I also get to interact with people which is a plus."

Positions such as technical analysts, programmer analysts, web developers, database analysts, network administrators and help desk specialists are mainstays of the computer and IT industry. Graduates of the CSIS program often quickly advance to project team leads and managers.

"Women with technology and business skills, like the skills taught in the CSIS program at Douglas, are a great asset to any IT company. They often bring a mix of people, multi-tasking and creative expertise to a team which helps it to grow in beneficial ways," says Douglas College grad Cathy Cole, who is Team Lead in the Desktop Support division of Best Buy.

The CSIS program offers several two-year diploma specialties plus a one-year certificate program. Co-op employment options allow participants to alternate academic terms with paid work placements so they launch into the workforce sooner.

CSIS Diploma graduates also have the option of transferring directly to the third year of several bachelor programs at other universities. For example, while keeping her job, Guimares is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in IT.

For more information about the CSIS program or to register for a free information session, contact Raymond Yu at 604-777-6282 or by email at yuray@douglas.bc.ca.

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