If you walk into an upper-level math or science classroom at your college, chances are, you will only find a handful of collegiettes. Three decades after the women’s rights movement, computer science, finance and engineering remain largely male-dominated industries—but Aimee, Kristen and Diana are three collegiettes who are determined to break down any remaining barriers and enjoy fulfilling careers in thesefields. So far, they have enjoyed remarkable success both inside and outside the classroom! Read on for stories of these three collegiettesäwho know how to play with the boys.
The Award-Winning Programmer: Aimee Lucido
A talented crossword puzzle designer whose work has been published in the New York Times, Aimee Lucido perfects her problem-solving skills during the many hours she spends programming computers. While an eighth grade class first sparked her interest in computer science, she didn’t become involved with programming until her senior year of high school. Now a computer science major at Brown University, Aimee has won national awards for her programming prowess.
She is a recipient of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Awards for Aspirations in Computing. In addition, Aimee was selected to participate in Google FUSE, a networking program for talented students who are traditionally under-represented in the field. “It’s really cool to be flown to another state, be put up in a five-star hotel and given a free computer,” she said of the two programs. “That’s awesome. It makes you want to do it.”
Aimee estimates that the computer science department at Brown is 20 percent women—a statistic that reflects national trends in the male-dominated field. Women earned 20 percent of the computer science bachelor’s degrees in 2006, according to the National Science Foundation. Aimee said that she hardly notices the gender imbalance in the classroom.“[The field] isn’t closed to women in any way,” she said. “It’s really a choice women are having.”
When Aimee isn’t working toward her goal of becoming a video game designer or creating crossword puzzles, she enjoys singing and playing the piano. Her advice to younger girls who are interested in computer science is to take classes. “The biggest problem is that women are scared to do it, and they shouldn’t be,” she said. “Don’t be scared of it.”
To explore opportunities in computer science:
- Take Aimee’s advice and research course offerings in your school’s computer science department. Plan to take an intro level course next semester!
- Teach yourself basic programming by checking out books in your local library, such as Computer Programming for Teens by Mary Farrell. There are many free online tutorials you can use as well.
- Become involved with organizations like NCWIT and programs like Google FUSE if you want to have a head start in the field.
The Budding Businesswoman: Kristen Clifford
Kristen Clifford, who is double majoring in economics and history at Dartmouth College, always knew she was interested in finance. Pursuing a career in an industry that has the reputation of being an “old boys club” is intimidating for Kristen because of the possible discrimination she will face. Although the number of women in M.B.A. programs has increased to about 40 percent, the gender gap is widening at the upper levels of finance, with only a handful of women in management positions at top firms.
Kristen is keenly aware of the gender imbalance in finance. She was one of five young women in her Economics of Financial Intermediaries and Markets class. When the class broke into study groups, they banded together. “The girls in the class were tremendously supportive of each other because I think we felt that we had something to prove,” Kristen said.
Given her ambition and determination, she will thrive on the challenge of knowing that the odds are stacked against her. Kristen loved being the only woman in her office during a financial internship. “Being a woman, you have to really truly advance on merit,” she said. “I would want to know I accomplished things based on my merit rather than on being a man.”
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After graduation, Kristen hopes to work at a bank, earn an MBA and eventually become a buy-side analyst. She is getting a head start on her career, having interned at a wealth management company last summer. Her extracurricular activities reflect her passion for finance. Kristen works on the business section of her school newspaper and is an active participant in Smart Woman Securities (SWS)—a non-profit dedicated to “investment education for undergraduate women through instructive seminars, mentoring initiatives, and meetings with successful investors.”
Kristen believes organizations like SWS are empowering. “[They are] a much-needed leg up for women in finance,” she said. “It’s comforting to know that are so many other women out there in finance. It’s a nice camaraderie.”
Kristen’s advice for girls thinking about finance is to “cultivate your knowledge of financial markets early” by reading financial newspapers and participating in conferences at various firms.
To explore opportunities in finance:
- Follow Kristen’s advice: start reading the Wall Street Journal or the Financial Times! If you don’t have enough time to read a daily newspaper, subscribing to the Economist is a great way to keep up with financial news.
- Become involved with organizations like SWS and Women in Business at your school.
- Visit career services on campus to learn more about career opportunities and corporate recruiting.
The Star Engineer: Diana Liskovich
A physics and biological engineering double major at MIT, Diana Liskovich knows that she can always ask her mom, a computer programmer, for guidance when her demanding coursework stresses her out. “My mother is my role model,” she said. “Growing up I saw that women could do math, science and engineering and was never discouraged from pursuing those fields myself.”
Diana developed an interest in physics in high school after an inspiring teacher emphasized real world applications of the scientific concepts they were learning about. Her passion for biological engineering developed during introductory classes her freshman year of college. She is currently exploring opportunities within both fields to determine what career she wants to pursue after graduation.
Women earned 20 percent of the engineering bachelor’s degrees in 2006, according to the National Science Foundation. Aware of the gender imbalance in her classes, Diana hopes more young women will specialize in traditionally male-dominated fields. She said doing so is empowering. “Rather than feeling bothered, I feel proud that I am delving into this field even though it isn’t as popular or encouraged for girls,” Diana said.
She values the support of women’s organizations that encourage her ambitions, such as NCWIT and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Like Aimee, she won the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. “NCWIT has been a great opportunity for me: connecting me with other girls in technical fields, encouraging me to pursue my aspirations in science/engineering, providing me with mentors and a network of support,” she said.
When Diana is not conducting research with MIT professors, she enjoys dancing, playing volleyball and participating in sorority events. Her advice for other girls interested in science and engineering is to find a mentor. “Having a female mentor to guide you and encourage you is very important and girls should try to find other women in these fields who will be a great resource for them,” she said.
To explore opportunities in engineering:
- Follow Diana’s advice. Find a mentor (and internship opportunities) through programs targeting women interested in science. At Dartmouth, for example, the Women in Science Project is popular.
- Check out your school’s physics and engineering course offering! Sign up for an interesting class next semester.
- Find networking and scholarship opportunities though organizations like SWE if you want to have a head start in the field.