May 14, 2008
Central Mass. Students Engineer Like Girls
Helping high school students learn about careers in technology might seem like an act of pure corporate benevolence, but for Tyco Safety Products and SimplexGrinnell , another Tyco division, it has had real, concrete benefits.
Two dozen girls who took part in the sixth year of the company's "Women In Technology" program explained the projects they took part in at a wrap-up event in Gardner Tuesday evening. Working at the company's Westminster location, teams of girls developed a new streamlined system for company orders of cell phones, redesigned a web site and designed a device to simplify the installation of alarm systems. Company officials said similar WIT projects in previous years have been implemented at the company and made a real difference.
The program was developed by the company, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and local schools. This year, Gardner High School, the Leominster Center for Technical Education, the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg and Naragansett High School in Templeton took part.
Keynote speaker Sharon Moura, the vice president of global IT at Tyco Safety Products, spoke about the challenges many women face in advancing their careers. She urged the students to figure out their priorities for their careers, families and personal lives and make a plan to achieve specific goals. She also said it's crucial to have a "team" of friends and family to give support and real feedback, not just "empty flattery."
"If they're only telling you the good stuff, there's something wrong," she said.
Two dozen girls who took part in the sixth year of the company's "Women In Technology" program explained the projects they took part in at a wrap-up event in Gardner Tuesday evening. Working at the company's Westminster location, teams of girls developed a new streamlined system for company orders of cell phones, redesigned a web site and designed a device to simplify the installation of alarm systems. Company officials said similar WIT projects in previous years have been implemented at the company and made a real difference.
The program was developed by the company, the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and local schools. This year, Gardner High School, the Leominster Center for Technical Education, the Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg and Naragansett High School in Templeton took part.
Keynote speaker Sharon Moura, the vice president of global IT at Tyco Safety Products, spoke about the challenges many women face in advancing their careers. She urged the students to figure out their priorities for their careers, families and personal lives and make a plan to achieve specific goals. She also said it's crucial to have a "team" of friends and family to give support and real feedback, not just "empty flattery."
"If they're only telling you the good stuff, there's something wrong," she said.
WBJ Web Partners
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