While the IT industry has long been populated predominately by men, the fairer sex is quickly making inroads in the industry. Each year a new generation adds to the number of women in IT leadership positions, further shifting the balance of power and the environment of the industry.

On March 26, the Center for the Management of Information Systems held its 10th annual Women in Information Technology (WIT) conference at A&M. The conference, designed for future female IT professionals, gave students the opportunity to interact with women from all levels within the field. Students from sister schools Texas A&M International University and Prairie View A&M University also attended.

The theme of the 2010 WIT conference was “Finding the Right Fit,” and presenters focused their lectures on how women can make a place for themselves in IT management. The WIT roundtable discussions allowed for students to ask questions related to their fields of interest, and for IT professionals to share some of their personal experiences, including the challenges they face in a male dominated industry.

Networking with professionals and presenters was another valuable component of the event for students. Corporate sponsors AMD, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Dell, ExxonMobil, and HP also provided a number of door prizes and scholarships for participating students.