理工女性为什么这么少？

    我学到的一个教训是，女性必须大胆发言。我在那本书中也谈到了这一点。在我职业生涯的早期，我在项目会议上常常被A型人格的男性包围，发表自己的意见对我来说是个挑战。我意识到，我必须更大声地发言，这样才能被别人听到，不要害怕与人交谈。有些女性已经拥有了非常出色的沟通技巧，但对那些没有掌握这种技能的女性来说，培养这些技巧极为重要。

    导师能在女性的整个职业生涯中带来很大帮助。在任何阶段，尤其是在起步阶段，有几个组织能帮助女性找到导师，比如科学女性协会（Association of Women in Science）、电器电子工程师学会（Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers）和国家女性与信息技术中心（National Center for Women and Information Technology）。同事也能带来很大帮助。女性必须为自己打造一个支持网络。

    女性还需要拥有明确的目标和强烈的自信。无论面对怎样的困难都要勇往直前。

    你在那本书的结尾提到，你希望那本书在10年内过时。你为什么这样说？

    最大的一个原因是，文化偏见正在改变。除了学校之外，目前至少有十多个全国性项目向喜欢数学和科学的年轻女生提供帮助。女性工程师协会（Society of Women Engineers）赞助了一个名叫Aspire的项目。有意培养未来员工的企业也参与了进来。例如，微软（Microsoft）举办了科技女生夏令营。就连女童子军（Girl Scouts）也赞助了一个数学和科学项目。我是童子军的时候肯定没有这种事情。因此我认为，几年之内，我们就会看到更多的年轻女性选择STEM事业，并取得辉煌的成功。（财富中文网）

    译者：千牛絮

    One of the lessons I learned the hard way, which I talk about in the book, is that women need to learn to speak up. Earlier in my career, when I was surrounded in project meetings by men with Type A personalities, voicing my opinions was a real struggle for me. I realized that I had to talk louder in order to be heard, and not be afraid to jump into a conversation. Some women already have strong communications skills but, for those who don't, it can be tremendously important to focus on developing them.

    Mentors can make a big difference, all through your career. At any stage, but especially when you're just starting out, there are several organizations that can connect you with a mentor, like the Association of Women in Science, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, or the National Center for Women and Information Technology. Your peers at work can also be very helpful. You need to build a supportive network around you.

    You also need clear goals and a strong sense of confidence. No matter what obstacles get in your way, keep going.

    You mention toward the end of your book that you hope the book will be obsolete in 10 years. Why do you think it might be?

    One of the biggest reasons is that the cultural bias is changing. There are at least a dozen national programs now, outside of schools, to encourage young girls who are interested in math and science. The Society of Women Engineers sponsors one called Aspire. Companies interested in developing future employees are getting involved, too. Microsoft (MSFT), for instance, runs a high-tech camp for girls. Even the Girl Scouts sponsor a math and science program, which certainly didn't exist when I was a scout. So I think in a few years we'll see more young women choosing STEM careers -- and succeeding brilliantly at them.