More than Words – From Women in BICSI
An article by BCL’s CEO, Christy Miller, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM, CT, ESCE, was featured in the BICSI Insider newsletter for Women in BICSI (see below).
Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) is a professional association supporting advancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) profession and currently serves more than 26,000 members and credential holders. The ICT profession involves electronic safety and security, project management (telecommunications), wireless networks, and other technological services. BICI provides education, conferences, credentials, standards, reference manuals and community and membership. Women in BICSI is a group within BICSI created especially for women in the industry.
In the article, she discusses how acronyms in the BICSI industry can bring a certain level of respect to your name and recognition for your skills as a designer. With those extra acronyms and accolades also comes a higher standard for women to work harder for the respect and recognition.
Full Article:
“Anyone in the ICT Industry knows that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of tech acronyms. As women in the industry, there are a few other acronyms to be pretty darn proud of and that might just help you get a foot in the door-but the rest is up to you.
Having the BICSI acronym, “RCDD,” after your name brings a certain level of legitimacy to your abilities as a designer in the industry, whether you are a man or a woman. And having multiple BICSI acronyms- DCDC, RTPM, OSP, TECH, ect. – can garner even more respect. But even with these acronyms, we as women seem to be held to a higher standard, and it can be more challenging for us to earn respect than it is for our male counterparts.
As women, we often need to be prepared to work harder, work smarter, and produce a better product. Former U.S. Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, once said:
“Women have to be active listeners and interrupters-but when you interrupt, you have to know what you are talking about.”
Even after over 30 years of experience, I still find that this holds true. Just recently, I was accused of “pushing back” and “not playing nice” when I stuck to my guns about following industry standards. And it’s not just knowing what you’re talking about. I believe earning respect also comes with not trying to be “one of the boys” and never putting yourself in a position that can be interpreted as anything other than professional.
If you own your own business, other acronyms I recommend include WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise), WOSB (Women Owned Small Business), DBE (disadvantaged Business Enterprise), and EDGE (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality) that validate a company is at least 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman, women, or other socially and economically disadvantaged person. The majority of construction projects, especially federal – or state-funded projects, actually REQUIRE minority participation, with some states requiring their agencies, boards, and commissions to meet a certain percentage of procurement in awarding contracts to certified minority-owned businesses. Combined with your BICSI acronyms, a minority designation can certainly open up opportunities. But as a woman, you still have to work harder to earn the business- it’s yours to lose once you get your foot in the door.
While acronyms can certainly help women gain respect and succeed in the industry, don’t underestimate the power of having mentors-both men and women. If it weren’t for my dad and some of the fine men in the industry who took me under their wings, I would not be where I am today. It was their support that made me want to be more involved in the BICSI organization and ultimately become a master instructor, committee volunteer, and serve on the BICSI Board. And once you’re more deeply involved in the organization, even more doors will open for you to get your foot in so you can begin the hard work.”
– Christy Miller, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM, CT, ESCE | CEO of BCL Enterprise