Battling the Stereotypes of IT to Prove Your Value

Many people have outdated notions about IT workers. If you’re someone who works in the tech industry, you might find that your friends and family don’t understand what it is you do. They may assume most of your job involves asking people, “Did you turn it on and off again?”

Historical inequalities in the technology sector—combined with media portrayals of tech professionals—has led to several IT stereotypes. But in reality, the technology sector encompasses a vast number of careers. According to CompTIA’s Cyberstates 2021 report, approximately 12.2 million people in the U.S. work in technology.

Find out how you can combat IT stereotypes and successfully make a career for yourself in technology.

Common IT Stereotypes

According to Tamara Fudge, DMus, MSIT, information technology faculty member at Purdue Global, several stereotypes are prevalent in the tech industry. These include:

• Only men work in IT: A common misconception is that only men go into IT careers. While there’s certainly a disparity between genders, since 1970, the percentage of women workers in STEM fields has grown from 8% to 27% (as of 2019). Representation matters and steady growth is an important step toward greater equality.
• IT is only for young people: People may associate tech professionals with young college grads working at startups, but many people who work in tech are older. According to a report by Zippia, 54% of information technology professionals are 40 years old or older. “It's not unusual for people to come to IT as a second or third career, especially considering that in certain age groups, there were very few computers in high schools and colleges when people were growing up,” says Fudge.
• IT is all about fixing computers: In reality, a wide range of careers fall under information technology, and many people have the opportunity to make lasting contributions to their field. For example, the contributions of these female pioneers in computer science led to the invention of new computer programming languages and even helped humans reach the moon.
• IT doesn’t require social skills: Because IT is rooted in math and science, people may assume that IT professionals do not need to have strong communication skills. However, IT professionals frequently collaborate with their teammates and are often responsible for conveying technical information to a nontechnical audience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists communication as a top skill for computer systems analysts.

>> Read: 7 Myths About Working in Tech

How to Overcome IT Stereotypes as You Navigate Your Career

If you’re new to the tech industry, you may feel as though the stereotypes associated with IT careers weigh you down and prevent you from reaching your full potential. Below, we provide some tips for how to overcome the social challenges of information technology.

Follow Your Passions

Fudge recommends that if someone is passionate about information technology, they should pursue it. “If you want it, go for it,” she says. “But make sure you’re doing it because you’re passionate about working with computers and want to contribute to the field.”

She emphasizes that a career in IT can be very rewarding for people who are genuinely interested in digging into how computers work. Many professionals in the field also explore information technology as a hobby outside of work.

Ignore the Naysayers

When you’re first starting out in a tech career, you might run into coworkers or other professionals who assume you don’t have the knowledge or skills to be successful. Try to ignore these naysayers as much as possible and focus on your own work. If a conflict arises, it’s best to stand your ground, says Fudge. “If someone says you can’t do something, what you need to say is, ‘Oh, yes, I can.’” 

Fudge explains that women working in IT are frequently subjected to these kinds of assumptions—especially when interacting with people outside their place of employment. “For example, if you’re buying a new computer and you ask the repair person a tech question, it’s often assumed that you as a customer know nothing,” she says. “If you explain to them that you have a background in technology, they’ll usually change their tune as they realize that you understand more than they thought you did.”

Push Through Any Failures

It’s easy to become discouraged when you make a mistake at work, especially if you’re early in your career, but it’s important to push through these failures and learn from them. “Every time we experience failure, we can learn from it,” says Fudge. “For example, if you’re a college student and you lose five points on an assignment, why did you lose those points? What can you learn from it? It’s all about growth and turning mistakes into something positive.”

Make Connections With Leadership and Industry Professionals

Finally, professionals can overcome the social challenges of working in IT by making connections with industry professionals who can support them. Forming a strong relationship with the leadership at your company is a good place to start. According to Fudge, “Great leadership can make a world of difference in anyone’s career.”

Joining a professional organization is another great way to meet professionals in your field. The following professional organizations provide support to underrepresented communities in tech:

• Code2040: This organization is focused on promoting racial equity in the tech industry. It connects Black and Latinx talent with companies, mentors, and peers who can help them grow their tech careers.
• Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF): ITSMF is dedicated to preparing Black technology professionals for executive-level roles. The organization hosts a variety of educational programs for members.
• LGBT Tech: This organization develops programs and resources to support LGBTQ+ individuals working in technology. It also conducts research into how the LGBTQ+ community interacts with technology.
• MAES: MAES promotes and cultivates the representation of Latino leadership in STEM careers. Both students and professionals are welcome to join this organization.
• Wonder Women Tech: Wonder Women Tech hosts conferences, career fairs, and workshops designed to celebrate women in STEM. The organization’s goal is to provide meaningful pathways for women who are interested in starting a STEM career

Grow Your IT Career With Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers several online degree programs and certificates in information technology. Whether you’re just getting started in the tech field or would like to build upon your existing experience by earning a degree, we can help. To learn more, request information today.