Mediaocean Research Reveals Americans Believe More Women in Tech Fuel Innovation and Creativity

NEW YORK, May 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Over three quarters of Americans agree there are not enough women working in technology, according to new research released today by Mediaocean. This is in sharp contrast to the strong belief that more women in technology would increase creativity and innovation in the workplace (77 percent and 72 percent, respectively).

As a leading software provider for the global advertising world, with 36 percent of its jobs occupied by women, Mediaocean is officially launching its Women in Technology initiative to influence change and shape the future of the tech industry. With a focus on inspiring more women to make waves in technology, a key element of the initiative is the Mediaocean Scholarship Fund, which will support three women as they pursue their career in technology, with a $25k scholarship each.

According to the research, Americans believe there are fewer women in technology because there isn't enough social support (41 percent), women are less interested in working in tech fields (41 percent), and there is a hiring bias against women (40 percent). Interestingly, one-in-five agree tech is an unfriendly environment for women, and 17 percent considered tech to be "unfeminine."

"Our institutions, manufacturing plants, schools, and workplaces have been digitizing for the past few decades. In fact, there will be 1.4 million openings in tech jobs by 2018, but we don't have enough applicants to fill even 60 percent of those openings," said Maria Pousa, SVP Global Marketing at Mediaocean. "With Mediaocean's Women in Technology initiative and scholarship program, our goal is to engage women and help them acquire the skills necessary to be successful in this new era." 

Additionally:

• Nearly three quarters (73 percent) believe we should start fostering a passion for technology in women 12 years old and younger
• The best ways to encourage more women to break into the technology field are to:
  • Raise awareness of career opportunities (87 percent)
  • Provide more tech-focused classes in K-12 grades (85 percent)
  • Change the perception of women in technology to be more positive (84 percent)
• With more women in technology, respondents believe the average household income would increase (82 percent)
• Women in Technology are most commonly described as intelligent (77 percent), focused (50 percent), and creative (47 percent)

"Diversity is a key factor in driving the success and innovation of technology companies," said Bill Wise, CEO of Mediaocean. "We are proud to be one of the first mid-sized businesses to offer such an initiative and want to encourage all companies to join this conversation and discuss what steps can be taken to ensure women are presented with the same opportunities as their male counterparts."

Scholarships will be awarded to three women pursuing a career in technology  
Open to current undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM degrees, Mediaocean hopes that this scholarship will spark interest and give three motivated women the opportunity to make their dream careers in tech a reality. Applicants must submit a short video answering the question, "What is your dream career in tech and how do you plan to achieve it?" by July 1, 2015. Videos will be narrowed down to 10 semi-finalists by a panel of esteemed women in technology, and the three winners will subsequently be chosen by public vote. For more information please visit: wit.mediaocean.com.

Mediaocean hosts Women in Technology panel at Internet Week
Today, Mediaocean is hosting "To Lean or Not to Lean," a panel discussion at Internet Week in New York City with Ari Horie, Founder & CEO of Women's Start Up Lab, Despina Papadopoulos, Founder of Principled Design, Nicole Ellis, Managing Director of Solutions for Teach for America, and Shenan Reed, President of Digital, North America of MEC. Following the discussion, Mediaocean will host a networking event at Mediaocean headquarters for the public to continue discussions around women in technology with panelists and employees. Join the conversation by using #WomeninTech on Twitter.

Notes to Editor
The survey was conducted on behalf of Mediaocean by market intelligence company AYTM.com – Ask Your Target Market, using an online sample of 3,000 U.S. respondents 18+ years old, sourced from AYTM's proprietary panels.

About Mediaocean
Mediaocean is the world's only software company that automates every aspect of the advertising workflow, from planning and buying, to analyzing and optimizing, to invoicing and payments. Its open cross-media platforms have unmatched reach and bridge traditional and digital media, serving more than 80,000 users across advertisers, agencies, broadcasters and publishers worldwide and powering $100 billion in global media buying. Mediaocean is headquartered in New York with six offices worldwide. Learn more at www.Mediaocean.com, or connect with Mediaocean on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.

About Mediaocean Women in Technology
With 30 percent more female employees than other leading tech firms, Mediaocean recognizes gender diversity in global business drives growth, creativity, and innovation. Yet with nearly one-in-five Americans considering technology to be unfeminine, Mediaocean is taking action to eliminate these old perceptions and make gender equality the norm in the tech industry. Launched externally in 2015, the Mediaocean Women in Technology initiative aims to foster professional development, create greater awareness, and shape future opportunities for women through a blend of support, resources and education programs. This initiative includes a number on existing internal initiatives as well as a annual scholarship fund, STEM volunteer days and partnering with organizations like AWNY and Step Up to help spark interest, support and encourage women to make waves in the technology industry. Learn more at wit.mediaocean.com.

CONTACT:
Emma Wolfe
(212) 897-2144
[email protected]

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SOURCE Mediaocean

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