….think a career in technology is for geeks. In a new survey of 11-16 years old girls, almost 90% claimed using technology is cool but wouldn’t ever think of making a career in the tech sector.

The figures from Blackberry maker, Research In Motion (RIM), show that while most think it’s cool and 38% chat tech with their friends, less than 30% of them would consider a career in technology. This compares, unsurprisingly, to 52% of boys.

Many girls blame the lack of a powerful female role model in technology is partly to blame. What about Lara Croft and all her cool gadgets? What do you mean she’s not real?

Others claimed the tech sector lacks excitement and is ‘too geeky’.

Maggie Philbin, former presenter of the BBC’s Tomorrow's World and advocate of the BlackBerry Women & Technology Awards commented:

"We have a huge responsibility to promote positive examples of what women can aim to be. By celebrating talented individuals we not only highlight one person's achievement, we also demonstrate to hundreds of women the fantastic opportunities technology can open up. Never underestimate the power of role models, if young women can see a career path which has been enjoyable and rewarding for another, they are more likely to follow it themselves. It's so frustrating to see teenagers using technology naturally and creatively, seemingly unaware that they could play a key role in shaping the way we use technology in the future.”

It’s hard to believe that old charmer, Bill Gates, or even Steve ‘Excitable’ Ballmer hasn’t inspired the ladies. Then again....-Martin Lynch

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