Download tips for women, from women, on advancing in IT

Women have a unique perspective on the obstacles to becoming top executives in the male-dominated business IT profession. Representing just 24 percent of U.S. technology employees in 2009, women find themselves surrounded by male bosses, direct reports and colleagues. It doesn't get any better as they reach the upper ranks--women represent only 10 percent of heads of IT, according to CIO's 2010 State of the CIO survey. As one female CIO put it, "It's a shame women are opting out of this profession. [They appear to be doing so because] it 'costs' a lot...time, commitment and personal sacrifice. We can't do everything, but failure is not allowed."