Last week I addressed a class of 20 super bright girls – juniors and seniors at a Girls Who Code summer immersion camp at the Georgetown School of Continuing Studies in DC. Very heartening to see how engaged and enthusiastic the girls were as I told them my story of how came into the computer industry, and related my experiences. I hope I have managed to contribute a little towards the common goal of making them confident and empowered to enter the IT industry.
Through my years of software development and my own evolution with the changes in technology as well as my roles, I learned that there are certain Values of Permanence that have helped me and others, irrespective of their gender. I believe that these will remain in place, however the work environment and technology changes. The girls were particularly intrigued by these:
- Ask Questions – Be comfortable in your boots and don’t hesitate to ask and to research until you understand things. Insecurity comes from having holes in your knowledge, especially in the technical world. Feel free to ask questions for the purpose of reaching a full understanding of any topic. Ask for reference or at least to be pointed in the right direction and take it up from there.
- Ask yourself why you are doing it – Have clarity and purpose while handling the smallest of tasks. It sets the stage for confidence.
- Have passion for your work – Coding/software has its ups and downs and can get frustrating. If you are passionate about getting it right, the interest and motivation will get you through.
- There is ALWAYS a solution – Problem solving can be so exciting when you feel assured that there is a solution – and there is always one – you just have to get to it.
- Take pride in your work – From the smallest code fix to the biggest product feature, focus on delivering quality of workmanship. Make sure that your peers, your organization and your customer/user benefit from the best that you can produce. This will carry you far.
- Participate in the user groups/community – Don’t go it alone. Usually, you will find that there is someone else who has or is facing the same issue and you can benefit from their tips. Also, be willing to share your knowledge with others.
- Be a student for life – seek knowledge and scout new technologies. It never ends and that is what makes IT special.
- Enjoy the journey – It is fun!
GWC class (BSA) at DC
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