Top Women in Computer Science

     Women in computer science and engineering jobs are few and far between. Even more so are those who hold positions of power or management. Some of the most important women in computer science are making a big difference with the work they are taking on as well as the issues they are helping to fight. Ranked among these women are: Meg Whitman, Sheryl Sandberg, Ginni Rometty, Marissa Mayer, Susan Wojcicki, Safra Catz, Mary Meeker, Divya Nag, and Meredith Perry. Each of the above women have made themselves successful in the tech world through hard work and have defied the statistics of the lack of women in tech management.
     As a woman hoping to find success in computer science, I take special interest in the success stories of other women in the field. The women I've mentioned all have a few things in common that have helped them to rise in the ranks in their fields. The first thing I've found is a bountiful and prestigious education. All of them have at least a Bachelor's degree, and most have a Master's. Beyond that, most have degrees in multiple fields, some even with a computer science degree and a law degree. They have also all gone to well-recognized schools to get the degrees. So, education is an integral part of becoming affluent in the field.
     Another similarity is that most if not all of these women have worked in a plethora of areas of the field. They have all hopped from job to job within their company or area of expertise, and gotten a taste of pretty much the whole company, while also moving up in title as they go. Being versatile and willing to try new things and new positions has helped to advance them to their managerial positions and their prosperity. Similarly, all of the women have been involved in their local and global communities. They complete research, take on worldwide issues, or create new technology for the good of the world. By filling a void in our international community, they get more popular and consequently more fruitful.
     Individually, each woman has had their own circumstances, struggles, and victories. Particularly, I have noticed a lot of bad media surrounding a lot of their actions. The more powerful and wealthy these women become, the more they seem to do wrong in the eyes of reporters and the general public. Still, they remain unmoved by the negative opinions. Article titles like "...(Why I Hate Sheryl Sandberg)", "Top 10 Reasons Why Ginni Rometty Will Fail...", and "Dear Marissa Mayer: Please Stop Saying Your Baby is 'Easy'" seem to point out the insignificant details of these women's lives, and ultimately make them feel bad despite all of their accomplishments and good deeds for the world. Despite the hurtful words aimed at them due to their spot in the tech world's limelight, they continue innovating, leading the world, and living their lives.
     For this, I am proud of them. At first glance, it seems like a difficult feat to become a leader in computer science as a female. However, these women are setting an example for all of us who follow in their footsteps. Their achievements say to me: "It's possible, if only you put in the effort". As with anyone, they aren't perfect, but the strength they show to stand on the world stage and make it known that women can succeed in STEM fields is inspiring to me. Especially awe-inspiring are the younger of these women: Divya Nag and Meredith Perry. These two are not even thirty, and they are already creating technology that will change the way people interact with their devices and leading the way in their companies and their discoveries. I may never lead the industry, but I will be glad as long as there are women such as these who will.
     I can see a bit of myself in the determination and motivation of these women. My biggest goal in my career, unambitious as it might be, is to be as helpful to others through my work as I can be. These women embody this desire of mine through the new technologies they make that help the general public in everyday life, but also through the causes they take up and support. Most, if not all, of these women support other ladies who are looking to start in computer science, and anyone interested in STEM in general. They take up campaigns, like "Lean In", to encourage women in their endeavors, while also taking sides on global issues. When you get more media and money from your occupation, it is easier to raise a movement on topics you are passionate about. These women help thousands through their work and the movements they have been able to start. If I could find ways in my life and career to be helpful to others, I would lead a fulfilled life. Of course, as I've said, it is a lot easier to make a difference for more people when one gets the publicity to let the world hear their opinions.
     To make the best of my goal, I would have to step into the limelight as a leader in computer science as well, which is a lot easier than it sounds. However, there are a few things I can do now to give myself the best chances in the future. The first is to get involved in as many ways as possible. If I can make a positive name and image for myself and create connections with those already in the industry, I can begin to be an asset to those I work for when I start working. On a similar note, I can learn as much as possible. If I am capable before I am hired, there is less money spent on training, and I can be useful sooner rather than later. This would also set me up in a favorable position in my future job. Once I have a job I see myself staying in, I can learn about the company's inner workings. In order to achieve a managerial position, one has to know how to run a company and what is best for the specific company being run. So, if I know those things, I could be in the running for positions like CEO and CFO. This is where I will start, and we will see where it goes from there.