Get a job in technology

A range of high-profile speakers gathered at Microsoft to shatter the negative myths about IT careers by describing their personal work environment and the path they took to reach that position. Targeted at an audience consisting of 170 girls from various schools in the Reading area, the event was very much a 'girl power' day! Female IT professionals demonstrated that IT offers a socially stimulating environment, which can be both flexible and creative, with the opportunity to travel as well as a good pay package.

Sarah Webb MBE, 2 time Olympic gold medallist, opened the event explaining that she wouldn't have got her medals without IT and the sophisticated training software when she practices her sailing. Other speakers included: Naomi Climer, Sony; Anouska Wilson, IBM; Hermione Way, Newspepper; Cary Marsh, Mydeo; Jo Roach, Channel 4 to name a few.

In the afternoon, students were given the task of designing "the next big thing" in technology and planning how they would market it. The girls were enthusiastic and creative - we were particularly impressed by their market awareness and ability to both see themselves simultaneously as brand creator and target audience. The companies taking part definitely benefited from this research as much as the students did from analysing all sides of an IT role from design, functionality, advertising and marketing.

The Judging panel had a tough decision but announced Little Heath school the winners for their innovative idea & presentation. Each participant of the winning school won an iPod Nano!