Over a month ago I was interviewed by "Blair, Ortmann" from the Beaumont Enterprise for an article she was writing about "Computer Engineer Barbie". It came to me as no surprise when I was asked the obvious question "How do I feel about Barbie's new look?" I've never thought there was a limit to what Barbie can do. Like I told Blair, "Computer engineer Barbie 'will motivate a lot of girls, you have see a Barbie nurse, you’ve seen a Barbie bride, let the girls see and think differently. A pink laptop is still a laptop."
I've been working as a software engineer for a software company in Austin TX for almost 3 years now. In that time, I have learned so much about what it means to be a developer. I've loved every moment of working with an enthusiastic, hard working and motivated team. I am the only "girl" developer working in a team of seven. I would not say that every day has been the best because I have had some challenges to face. Initially it was difficult to make the developers take me seriously and to listen to what I had to say. After a lot of learning and adaptation I am respected and heard. There is always comments like "Looks like the entire New York is here" and others. The good thing is that I forget remarks like this fast and that keeps me going. I have successfully been part of four projects, all have been long hours and hard work, but they were all worth it.
Barbie to me is strong and smart. In software development you need similar qualities. I have learnt things like code ownership and pride. It gives me satisfaction just by creating something that will make the life of someone else so easy and systematic. I have a peaceful night sleep knowing I created something. Development is not as glamorous as Barbie is, nor is it all about laptops and hi-tech gadgets. We have nice cubicles where you find spending most of your day. Most of the developers I work with would love to get by wearing a T-Shirt and Jeans. So its not about clothes and how you dress to work either. The only thing that is most appealing is thats it is your code and that it will make a difference in the lives of many.
Unlike nursing, this field is more male dominated. A couple of my friends are into software development. According to techworld.com only 2% women are working on open source projects. Most women try not to participate in such projects because of the comments made by the other male developers. I goto user group meetings like ADNUG and Agile Austin to find myself the only developer in a group of 50 or more most of the times. I wonder if it is the same every where.
