The field of computer science offers challenge, fun, and the chance to contribute to innovations that improve the quality of our lives. Traditionally, men have outnumbered women in computer science and engineering, but that trend has been changing. Increasingly, women are becoming successful computer scientists and engineers, reaping the career benefits, and telling their stories. Their successes are attracting more women to the field. This brochure tells the stories of a few of the many women in computing today.

Using high-speed computers, computer scientists and engineers are solving challenging problems not only for today but for future generations. One may be designing a robot to perform dangerous or repetitive tasks so people don't have to. Another may be developing a computer model to study smog dispersion or to map chromosomes for the human genome project. A third may be developing a graphical interface to make computers easier for novices to use. Still another may be optimizing an airline's flight schedule to maximize the use of its airplanes and minimize costs or developing a virtual reality scene for a movie or art show.

You may wonder about competition in science, mathematics, and engineering classes, or about being in classes where you might be outnumbered by men. The women in this brochure can tell you about these issues, but they also can tell you that the intellectual stimulation and fun of their chosen field, the variety of exciting jobs they discovered after graduating from college, and the continuing opportunities they see for career advancement have made their choice worthwhile.

If you enjoy your math classes, you will probably also enjoy computer science and engineering. If you enjoy helping others solve problems, learning about new ideas, challenging yourself, or just dreaming up new situations, products, or ideas, computer science or engineering may be the right career choice for you.