mopgoblin on 12/10/2006 at 09:43

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I think that's quite unusual - computer science and engineering are about the only university subjects where the ratio consistently goes beyond 60/40 (80/20 is common, apparently). If I recall correctly (from a seminar in May, presented by Prof Ruth Davis (Santa Clara University)), it's actually got worse over here in the last decade - something like 17% of computer science students are female. Engineering down in Christchurch is about the same. A lot of it is due to the lack of female role models and the negative stereotypes (most of which don't seem particularly accurate, even amongst graduate students).

Agent Monkeysee on 12/10/2006 at 16:05

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Well I think the makeup of the womenfolk in my department is worth noting. Asian, Asian-American, and Russian. There were very few native born women in the CSE department except the asian-americans, who tend to inherit the cultural proclivities of their parents most of whom are first or second generation. Most of the women came from countries known for producing strong mathematics skills in general.

There definitely seems to be a dearth of American women in engineering departments and I think it's fair to pin that squarely on our culture.

Also all the Russian students were unequivocally HOT. Without exception.

RavynousHunter on 13/10/2006 at 14:32

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ahhhh! not true!! i know i had one hell of a time learning C++ there for a while ::but then again, im a prodigy like that, lol:: I still say the best thing is to start off basic, then move down the levels, until you hit C/C++, once you got that down, youre pretty much good to go (or so ive seen), but its still a very good idea to at least fiddle around with other languages, if you can get a good working base with things like Python and J#, and a very solid understanding of C/C++ (or ::gasp:: Obfuscated C) :) then youre fairly good in the eyes of buisnesses and companies, and a degree or two never killed anyone! :cheeky:

ignatios on 13/10/2006 at 15:16

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Seconded.

Vigil on 13/10/2006 at 15:56

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Is that what the last chapter in your <i>Sam's Teach Yourself C++ In 21 Days</i> book said, or did you suddenly gain industry experience in the past month?