| Topic Name: |
Women in Software Engineering |
| Message Name: |
ChicksInCS |
| Date Posted: |
01/25/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi,
I'm a sophmore currently majoring in Computer Science. I really just started, having completed only the first Java course, but I really love it. I've done a bit of pragramming for fun on the side since I've learned, and I've always been teaching myself new web languages.
But I only got a B in the course, and most of the rest of the class received A's and A-s. It only gets harder from here (data structure and algorithms is next), and though I've been reviewing and reading my textbook ahead as much as I can, I know I am not as good as many of my peers. Most of them are guys.
My question is whether the CS industry is as full of men as my classes are, and whether it will be hard for me as a woman to start with. If I am not as fast or saavy as my male peers, will I simply be reinforcing sterotypes?
I love computer games, always always have, and dream of working for Squaresoft. I really enjoy coding, and feel I've a real solid base now. But I know I'm not as quick to pick things up. I really want to pursue this as a career and am wondering if anyone can give me an idea as to what it may be like.
Thanks in advance. |
| Message: |
Hi!
I understand where you're coming from, in my high school all the honors math and science classes were full of men and jokes abounded.
My first computer science job had no other women and there was even a joke : 'We had a female programmer here, ONCE. She didnt last long' (chuckle). But, I had fun showing those guys a thing or two, they soon found out how good I was and it was fun watching their surprise. Eventually I found it fun to be one of the guys, and no one ever had trouble remembering my name!
Things have gotten a lot more equal since then (that was 10 years ago). I've worked with lots of women these days. If you really love it, go for it! Also don't judge your abilities on one class. Different teachers and languages are different, and there are many different aspects to the field these days, from user interface design to database to security...so it may take a while to find the perfect niche.
Good luck!
-Alx
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