In a male dominated field such as technology, many women find it difficult to find their own niche in the industry. That is why Kelly Anderson, a senior at Quinnipiac, decided to organize Quinnipiac Women in Technology (QWIT).
QWIT, which received recognition as an official Quinnipiac organization in November, is a group aimed toward women who plan to use technology in their respective careers, whether they plan to go into communications, digital design, computer science, medical science or any other field in which technological knowledge is necessary.
Anderson, an Interactive Digital Design major who transferred from the University of New Haven two years ago, noticed that Quinnipiac did not have any organizations on campus that really captivated her interest.
She wanted to be part of an organization that pertained to her major and that would help students keep up to date with the ever changing field of technology.
With the help of QWIT’s faculty advisor, Pattie Belle Hastings, Anderson decided to make her vision a reality. This semester, QWIT will begin to hold meetings and recruit new members. The first meeting was held on Feb. 10, and subsequent meetings will be held once or twice a month.
Because the organization is just getting up and running, there are not currently any specific events planned. However, Anderson hopes that the organization will attend seminars, hear speakers, visit work sites to see technology in action and do technology-related programs with local children.
Ideally, if enough people join the organization, she hopes it can break down into subsets so that members with a common major can do activities related to their area of interest.
Anderson has also noticed that many fellow students, who are older than the typical college students, attend classes at night and feel out of place in terms of the clubs and organizations on campus.
Being a commuter student herself, Anderson encourages all students, regardless of age, to join.
According to Anderson, QWIT members will truly benefit from their membership in the organization. Not only will they be able to make friends, but they can also network with people already in the field, giving them a foot in the door when it comes time to find a job.
Even those who are interested in a job in technology but unsure which path to take can benefit from the guidance and learning experience offered by the organization.
Above all, Anderson says, the organization will allow students to keep up to date with all facets of technology including the software, hardware and other technological devices they will use in their future careers.
Meetings are held one or two Mondays a month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Tator Hall 127. Specific dates for meetings are to be announced. Although the organization is geared toward women, men are also welcome.
For more information contact [email protected] or faculty advisor Pattie Belle Hastings.
