Topic: Tech
Title: Google Exec Marissa Mayer Explains Why There Aren't More Girl Geeks
Author: Bianca Bosker
Publication Name: The Huffington Post
Date of Publication: 9/05/11
Length: 1,475 words
Google Executive Marissa Mayer explains how she began working in the field of engineering while studying at Stanford University. She did not begin at Stanford with the intent to one day become the next Bill Gates; in fact, she wanted to become a pediatric neurosurgeon. Mayer decided to switch her major after realizing that she wanted to take full advantage of Stanford's domineering engineering and computer science programs. In 1999, after her graduation, Marissa Mayer had a plethora of job offers; one of which was at a small start-up company that called itself Google. Nowadays Google employs lots of women, but back in Mayer's first days at the company, she was the only woman. Mayer estimates that a meager 15-17% of Silicon Valley engineers are women. She attributes this small percentage to the fact that young girls are turned off by the narrowly "geeky" stereotype that they so often see in the media. Marissa Mayer believes that if there were more technologically-proficient role models, the stereotype of the female engineer might have room to expand to gradually encompass all types of different women who are not stereotypical computer geeks just crunching numbers. Mayer also thinks that nowadays there are more applications of technology, such as computers or cellphones. These seemingly menial machines can spark interest in young girls who may wonder how the machinery works, and eventually go into the engineering field.
Overall, it is important to take advantage of your surroundings and to take risks. Marissa Mayer is a great example of a strong woman who has maximized her potential and is now a very successful woman. Some advice she has is to "work with the smartest people you can find, do something you're not ready to do, find an environment in which you're very comfortable so you can find your voice, and work for someone who believes in you -- because when they believe in you, they'll invest in you."
This article is very motivating and stimulating. As time has passed by, and the 21st century came, the role of women has changed radically. What I liked the most about the article is that stereotypes are being tore apart. Women can do "men's jobs" just as well or sometimes better than men. I think that Mayer's turned in major was not only the best for her, but for the millions of women that want to improve their lot in life. The Silicon Valley might need several engineers and computer science programers, but what about Entrepreneurs, Politicians, among so many other professions thought to be a man's role.
ReplyDeleteNowadays, it is much easier to get a career than it was two decades ago, so you might as well become the next Bill Gates. Therefore, we should take advantage of our potentials and utilize it to continue erasing stereotypes.
I agree with you that women should challenge themselves and take advantages of the surroundings. I have watched a lot of shows and videos that talked about the role of women in 21st century, which mainly stereotyped of the women in media. There are also less women run government than men. I think women and men have the same abilities to work, they also can take men's role in society. There are many examples of strong women in our society, too. I also know a lot of girls who are really independent and work better than men.
ReplyDeleteHowever, interest is more important. But if a girl is interested in engineering or the other careers that has less women work on, they definitely should give a try and take the challenge. They should trust themselves that they can do the same thing or even can do better than men.