| Topic Name: |
Women in Software Engineering |
| Message Name: |
What? You don't understand things magically? |
| Date Posted: |
02/21/2002 |
| 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: |
I am a software engineer with eight years of experience. It is true that most of my co-workers (through multiple industries and companies) have been male. I certainly think that a female has as much opportunity to succeed as a male.
As for reinforcing stereotypes, I think that you letting your current peers intimidate you (even if they don't know it). If you love software development, and commit yourself to learning about it, you will be as good or better than any of the grinds pumping out A's in your little CS classes. Software development is a craft, and dedication will show through in the long run.
You are 19 (I'm guessing) and you say that you "really enjoy coding and feel that [you've] a real solid base." I am quite sure that you have not reached the peak of your skills in software development! Keep working on it.
If you are interested in what software as career is like, let me know and I will do my best. But I can tell you that I have been involved in a great deal of technical recruiting and the right kind of person for software is the one who says, "I love coding."
I hope this helps. I find it very frustrating to think that someone who has the potential to be a real software craftsman (so rare!) would be intimidated out of the field because she doesn't pick things up magically!
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