Novell Doubles Attendance In National "Take Our Daughters To Work" Day

Over 950 girls sign up to learn why high-technology offers excellent career options for women

OREM, UT -- April 27, 1995 -- Novell, Inc, the third largest software company in the world, today opened its doors to 950 girls ages 9 to 15 in participation with MS Magazine's annual "Take Our Daughters to Work" day. Headquartered in Utah, Novell's participation doubled over last year, with Utah participation accounting for an amazing 830 girls who accompanied their parents for a day in the high-technology workplace. Novell's turnout represents the highest participation for any Utah business.

Novell's innovative "Take Our Daughters to Work" day program not only consisted of technology sessions and information, but also, tours of general business operations and support services. Programs for the girls at the four Novell sites -- Orem and Provo, Utah, San Jose, California and Summit New Jersey -- were customized to reflect community needs and divisional business offerings. Technology sessions included hands on demonstrations of Novell's PerfectHome line of entertainment, education and productivity products; a tour of Novell's SuperLab, the largest private technology lab in the US; sessions on support services such as HR, travel and marketing communications; one-on-one career counseling services; social programs like stay in school; and engineering sessions including programming and live software development sessions.

"We are very excited to participate in the "Take Our Daughters to Work" program and expose girls to a variety of career options and role models. The high-technology industry offers excellent career opportunities for women. The "pink-collar" occupations that are apparent in other traditional industries are not a factor in high-technology," said Mary Burnside, Novell executive vice president and chief operating officer. "We are determined to give girls the head start they need to succeed in the work environment. By participating in this program we raise consciousness about the contributions women do make as well as increasing a girl's morale and self-esteem."

A high percentage of the management team is comprised of women including the chief operating officer and the senior vice president of corporate marketing as well as many other vice presidents in the organization. At the company, women are involved in engineering from designing applications and operating systems to creating programs that extend Novell's reach from traditional computing devices to non-traditional computing environments. Women also play critical roles in corporate and product marketing, strategic relations, operations, service and support and human resources.

By the year 2000 two out of every three new jobs will be filled by women. More girls than ever before aspire to have meaningful careers as adults. A 1994 nationwide poll of teenagers conducted by theNew York Times and CBS News found eight in 10 girls expected to work when they are married. Yet despite their high hopes for the future, many girls aren't adequately prepared to realize their dreams or challenges for the future. Novell is committed to providing opportunities for women in the workplace, to providing incentives for girls to stay in school, and to offering role models to help girls develop self-esteem, realistic goals and raise awareness for women.