But also don't misunderstand this and dress like a "boy"! Guys -in very short time- may begin to mistake you as one of them; as a male. And then sure to lose their respect for you also. [been there faced that] The problem here is being inside, sharing knowledge, fun and experiences, but not letting them forget that you are a female and you don't like farting jokes, unnecessary swearing, smelly lunch arrangements.. etc. Be polite, do not ever swear. I think the best first day approach is to stay silent and observe the environment, the people. If you get to know their interests and how they match with yours, it will be easier to start a conversation in "neutral ground". Ask questions, not stupidly easy but showing that you also know some things about tech and need to share the information. I really don't think any girl who could make her way to an all male IT department is intelligent and knowledgeable enough to participate in any kind of conversation. Just don't jump in it first. Listen. Wear a skirt occasionally, even you don't have to [company dress code]. Try those days not to be fridays. And if you get dressed "girly", try to do it the days when you will directly go home, don't let them open bets on "who you're gonna meet after work". Keep your nail file with you [i mean the strong metal ones, not the disposable paper ones] and use it to open a pc case, voila extra points! If you *do* need a mirror on your desk, use an hdd plate. Show them you're geek enough and they will be coming "in technical topics" to you. If you don't want them hitting on you just don't touch them. That will be enough. [those small touches on shoulders while working in front of the same monitor is a strict no no]
After all said, just to remind again; listen first. You will be getting the answer to get into that "clique".
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Say %10 of 100.000 ..
I predict 10.000 less chips sold by INTEL ..
But also don't misunderstand this and dress like a "boy"! Guys -in very short time- may begin to mistake you as one of them; as a male. And then sure to lose their respect for you also. [been there faced that] The problem here is being inside, sharing knowledge, fun and experiences, but not letting them forget that you are a female and you don't like farting jokes, unnecessary swearing, smelly lunch arrangements
After all said, just to remind again; listen first. You will be getting the answer to get into that "clique".