Microsoft looks to Erin McNaught to spice up the Australian IT industry

When most people think of IT or tech companies in general, sexy normally doesn’t come to mind. People involved in IT have always had a geeky image cranked up to a factor of 10 with absolutely no room for hipness.

Microsoft is looking to change IT’s musty image by breaking out the big guns. The company has hired former Miss Australia Erin McNaught to help boost interest for the IT sector in Australia. Australian universities have witnessed a 38 percent drop in enrolment to IT classes in the past two years.

McNaught has no qualifications in the IT field (she sidestepped a degree in science to pursue modeling), but did point to her involvement on “Cyber Shack” where she covers games and all the latest gadgets.

Microsoft human resources director Rose Clements admitted that IT is “not one of the sexier professions”. Clements went on to say that that McNaught would be “a great role model” for those looking to join the IT field. She also noted that McNaught’s selection would also help bring more women to the field.