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August 11, 2005
Snap Judgements
I don't normally like to write about happenings at work, beyond the odd moments of corporate mentality that exist (probably) in all companies (to some extent). Mostly because nothing that happens there is terribly exciting, but also because there seems to be no corporate wide policy on blogging. The main observations for this happening are worthy of note and happen at work, although it seems they are not limited to the corporate scope.
The other day we had the company "Country Fair", which can basically be summed up as "science project day" from grade school. Each group makes up a series of posters, prepares a 10 minute blurb about their project, build prototypes, and drag out demo gear for all to see. Often times they have cannibalized their homes for some of the gadgets needed. Yep, just like a science fair in grade school. The only big difference is now you've got the wondering geeks who try to outsmart the presenter geek.
I spent the time walking to different exhibits with Katy, a former intern now graduated to a full time status. Outside of her ability to author code, she's a good electrical engineer with some solid understanding and a immense amount of excitement at making things, well, electrical. After the third or fourth exhibit though she made a comment on how everyone presenting would talk to me and not her. I asked her a bit more, and she pointed out how each presenter would discard her presence and focus mainly on me. I had thought I noticed this too, but it became difficult to judge as my field of vision only works so far. Actively ignoring the presenter in a one on one situation doesn't bode well for showing an interest in the project.
We didn't get to test the theory if it was just me, or any male would be acceptable. Nor could we test it as a process of proximity to the presenter. As part of her revenge, Katy took sodas, cookies, and whatever else was being given out free. Hit 'em in the pocket book.
The behavior is confusing though. I've worked with plenty of people of both sexes over the years. There seems to be very little correlation between the good and the bad as far as engineering knowledge is concerned. I've probably worked with more "good guys" though thanks to the sheer number of males in the engineering industry. It certainly doesn't mean they're all worthy of attention though. I've also worked with a few women who've made me stand back and reevaluate what I know. Maybe I'm a rare case in this sense.
What I'm trying to get at is, how can a corporate culture change the behaviors of people, when many of the people don't even realize what they're doing? Having asked a few other women in engineering, each has agreed that this behavior does exist and is very readily seen. Could this be why there are so few women in engineering positions? This kind of juvenile behavior really isn't for everyone.
Okay enough thinking aloud now...
Posted by Dan at August 11, 2005 01:25 AM