As women in technology take a look around at their respective places of work, they can be hard-pressed to find a face that looks like their own.
It’s no wonder, as you consider the below, that in the United States in 2017:
- Women held 57 percent of professional occupations in the workforce. [1]
- However, women held only 26 percent of professional computing [1]
- Women held only 17 percent of Fortune 500 chief information officer (CIO) positions. [1]
And if women do join the technology workforce, they often don’t stay long. Women leave technology companies at twice the rate of men.[2]
With companies like Juniper Networks that are committed to advancing women in the technology industry, the Anita Borg Institute is addressing this situation through its annual Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). The GHC brings together women in positions of computing to discuss research and career interests offering a chance for learning, networking and inspiration. Nearly 20,000 women will attend next week from September 26-28 in Houston, Texas —and Juniper is proud to be a platinum sponsor.
#DrivenByDifferent
This year, we are excited to unveil our #DrivenByDifferent initiative at GHC, which is the perfect venue to launch a movement promoting the idea that innovation—the key to success in our industry—stems from diverse perspectives, experiences and ideas. #DrivenByDifferent reflects who we are today and who we want to become.
We know that diversity is good for a company’s bottom line. We also know that we need a variety of people with unique backgrounds and perspectives to ensure our success. GHC is a great place to connect with these future Junivators.
Employee Growth and Recruiting
GHC is always one of the most anticipated events of the year. It’s important for us on many levels.
Each year, the speakers, workshops and networking sessions provide Juniper employees with the opportunity to expand their careers and experience personal growth.
Additionally, our presence at the celebration is one of the best ways to attract top talent and recruit underrepresented women for technical roles. Our booth will be buzzing with women engineers and students who want to know more about career opportunities at Juniper—and we can’t wait to meet them, because we’re committed to increasing the number of women in our own workforce. We hire new college graduates, as well as interns at GHC.
As a platinum sponsor of GHC, we support the attendance of four students (three from the U.S., one from abroad) and invite them to Juniper networking opportunities (like dinner with current employees) and one-on-one meetings with our recruiters at the conference.
A Stronger Future
Through our continued sponsorship of GHC, we are strengthening our company, empowering employees and boosting the careers of many young women in technology.
If you’re attending the Grace Hopper Celebration, stop by booth #6214 to learn more about career opportunities at Juniper, connect with our team and discover how you can be #DrivenByDifferent, too!
[1] National Center for Women & Information Technology, NCWIT
[2] Anita Borg Institute: http://anitab.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/retain-women-technologists.pdf
