Why are YOU in technology? Seriously, I want your feedback!
I have been asked to speak to a group of high school students that have had little exposure to technology beyond your typical classroom powerpoint, excel, google experiences. I am to go over several things with them, but among them is WHY technology as a career.
So, here's the question for you.....
Why are you in technology?
One word, one sentence, one paragraph, one page, doesn't matter. Just tell me why you are in tech these days.
Well, I sort of fell into it. In High School, I was good at math but skipped class a lot. The teacher threatened to expose my absences, unless I took his computer class next semester.
I took the class and discovered that it was fun. Like an interactive puzzle.
I went on to major in Mathematics and Computer Science and have enjoyed a 20+ year career.
My career in technology has taken me all over the world. I have lived in Belgium, England, and Australia.
I still love learning, still love solving puzzles. It's been a great ride so far!
Jennifer Bonnett
Posted by: Jennifer Bonnett | January 23, 2009 at 09:28 AM
I love being surrounded by smart people, and like Jennifer I like solving puzzles (forensic science is the road not taken for me, and fixing bugs in software is similar to performing an autopsy -- only you have a chance to save the patient!). My dad wanted me to major in computer science in college, but I wanted a liberal arts education. I majored in English and promised my dad that I'd work with computers the rest of my life. The combination of computer skills and an English degree didn't make for a straightforward career path, but I kept my promise to my dad and have spent the last 15 years as a web developer, software developer, API author, and user advocate for those working with developer tools. I feel like I'm always learning something new.
Posted by: Lori | January 23, 2009 at 09:43 AM
When I graduated from college with a BS in Business Management I had no clue what I wanted to do. My first job was for a dental insurance company scheduling audits for the various dental offices who accepted our plan. I began keeping the dental audit information in a Microsoft Access database. This began my love for programming. I began tinkering with the code behind the forms. I was fired from that job...thank God. But it gave me a glimpse into the world of programming. I studied hard (mostly on my own) and got my Master's in Management Information Systems. I love programming because it allows me to solve problems. Its definitely like solving a puzzle. But the best part for me is that it allows me to be creative. I'm not good at painting, playing an instrument, or singing...Developing software allows me to CREATE. I love it and wouldn't have it any other way.
Posted by: Nneka | January 23, 2009 at 10:02 AM
I've always been drawn to gadgets when I was young. Now, following the development of gadgets be it physical or virtual and how they are used to assist in communication and making our lives a little easier (not necessarily more simple) was just the natural thing to do. It was a hobby at first then I just got more deeper into it. So deep in fact that I left an 11 year nursing career and happened to have landed a position in a company as their business development lead for a new market!
Besides, women are THRIVING in the technology industry. It requires so much of what women naturally have. Ability to multitask to the Nth degree, ability to see the overall picture and project into how things may affect the future.
Women are great communicators naturally. We're empathetic, patient and very understanding and nurturing. We're perfect for driving Technology where it need to be for the future of mankind.
GO Women in Tech!
Carmen
@digitalfemme
Posted by: Carmen Villadar | January 23, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I'm in technology because it's a field that is constantly changing!! I love that! Always something new. I'm also a total gadget freak!
Posted by: Gina | January 23, 2009 at 10:13 AM
I started playing with computers because of a friend who did programming and the next thing I knew, I'm doing it for a living. I started out as a translator and freight forwarder and became a developer/programmer
Posted by: Tony Dunsworth | January 23, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I love languages, both the spoken language, the written language, and the coded language.
I feel a sense of accomplishment when I figure out an elegant solution to a problem.
I love to play with cool and fun gadgets and programs, I also like to know that I can make them better.
twitter: @careypayette
Posted by: Carey Payette | January 23, 2009 at 08:03 PM
I got into software development because I enjoy the creative process.
Creating software that can help people get their tasks done more efficiently or that serve a noble purpose is quite rewarding.
I also love to learn new things, and technology always gives you that chance, to learn and try out new gadgets.
Posted by: Rachel Appel | January 27, 2009 at 08:00 AM
I was always looking for ways to be more productive without cuttin' into my 'me time'. Computers have always done that for me. So my hobbies became my job.
Posted by: JaAG | January 29, 2009 at 01:17 PM