Speaking for myself : I know how to code, in the sense that I know how to write computer programs. However, it's certainly not enough to get hired as a computer programmer. The problem isn't my lack of presentation, it's a lack of knowledge. This may be the case for others as well.
I disagree. In today's job market, if you can code, you can get hired as a computer programmer. Are https://github.com/arn-e and http://a-rne.tumblr.com/ your work? (From your profile.) If so, you should definitely be able to get hired as a programmer. If you don't believe me, contact me at my HN username at gmail, and I can help you out.
For the record, I'm a dude (in case there was any confusion given the context of this thread). Obviously, gender discrimination does not apply in my case.
'Code' is just logic. Its not hard to learn. What is hard to learn is how to translate ideas into a programming language, or better yet, into a <i>system</i>.
C0d1ng 15 3Z, designing and developing a system to efficiently and effectively perform a task is hard.
Also: Hey Tarah! Just saw this was you. Great job with LadyCoders, I hope it gets even better.
Most of the issues are fairly unconscious bias. Some people just assume women aren't as good at tech jobs as men are. Some people assume pretty women are stupid. Some people are simply uncomfortable around women, so don't put themselves into a position where they will be around them.
Issues with actually getting women into tech jobs range from their manner of speech (for example, raising their voices at the end of sentences) to being overly modest about their job skills.
This doesn't make the employers bad. This just makes them human. I just really wish more humans realized all of the above.
I went to this extremely depressing "females in computer science" sort of mentoring meeting today and all of the women holding it essentially conveyed the idea "don't go into industry (got to grad school), they will eat you alive since you're a woman." it was horrid to hear this from other women. I'm glad to see that not everyone agrees with that.
You can learn about our seminars here: http://ladycoders.com/about-us/about-our-seminars/
You can register for seminars here: http://ladycoders.com/event-registration/
You can also see some of the nice and nasty things people have said about us here:
Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cassie-slane/who-knew-helping-...
CBS Radio: http://kiroradio.com/874/2194952/LadyCoders-Helping-Ladies-S...
Or here: http://ladycoders.com/as-seen-on/
