Cool Careers for Girls in Computers [Paperback]

Ceel Pasternak (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: 8 and up | Series: Cool Careers for Girls

Features such jobs as software engineer, systems analyst, network administrator, and sales and marketing executive.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Beginning with a glossary of computer terms, this volume proceeds to introduce readers to 10 women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds who have been successful in the computer industry. The authors provide glimpses of the subjects' personal lives, their educational backgrounds, descriptions of the jobs they now hold, and how they got there. Each profile includes a photograph of the subject, her career path, a "Career Checklist" with attributes that potential candidates might need in order to be successful in that job, and salary ranges. The illustrations-faded black-and-white photos and small blue-and-white computer graphics-are of average quality. The text does not require a prior knowledge of computer terms or technology. While the biographical sketches are interesting, the information about the careers is very basic. However, this is a valuable resource for showing girls that careers in what they may think is a male-dominated industry are not only possible, but desirable. The authors give a clear message that jobs can be challenging and enjoyable but that preparation and hard work are necessary. To that end, they also include a section of suggested courses to take in school and a list of professional groups (with addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses).
Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Ceel Pasternak is a noted editor who has created award-winning magazines covering workplace issues. Linda Thornburg is well-recognized for her writing on human resource and career topics for business audiences. Together they bring more than 30 years' expertise to this visionary effort to record the work experiences of today's women.

Product Details

• Paperback: 125 pages
• Publisher: Impact Publications (January 26, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570231036
• ISBN-13: 978-1570231032
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,086,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars good for girls and women, August 3, 2000

By 

Katie Mann (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cool Careers for Girls in Computers (Paperback)

I bought this book after hearing Ceel Pasternak and Linda Thornburg speak at a chapter meeting of the Association for Women in Computing. They've put a lot of thought into creating a series of books that will be interesting to junior high school aged girls and introduce them to role models in a variety of feilds, particularly the "non-traditional" ones.

Each chapter of the book is about a different woman who speaks about what her job title is, what that means, and what a day for her might entail. It also talks about what the woman liked to do as a child, the people who encouraged her, what her interests were then and now, and how she got to this point in her career and life. So, you're not just reading about a job, you're reading about a person, and what it's like to be an adult who works in this field. I think it's a good book, because reading it ought to dispell the idea that many young girls seem to have that even if they like their computer at home, they wouldn't want a computing job, because they'd be stuck behind the computer all day and never interacting with anyone else.

It's an easy read, and I don't think it talks down to the audience. I enjoyed reading it myself.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Reading For Every Career-Minded Woman!, October 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cool Careers for Girls in Computers (Paperback)

The growth experienced in the computer industry has given many women the opportunity to advance themselves into job markets once predominantly held by men. The times have changed. Many women have earned their wings so-to-speak and are climbing the corporate ladders of many well-known companies and some have even started their own!

Cool Careers for Girls in Computers written by Ceel Pasternak & Linda Thornburg offers the inside scoop on how ten women have advanced from their earliest days of childhood through to their present occupations. Readers will learn of the obstacles and challenges in life these women faced as they achieved the skills and employment opportunities they either sought after or were presented with.

Readers will be intrigued by the series of events that took place in the lives of these women as their careers progressed. The contributions of families, other loved ones, role models, hobbies, personal interests, social activities, job fairs, high school and college education, marriage, employment history, and keeping up with technological advances are some of the factors that helped to shape their lives.

Readers are encouraged to learn how these women achieved their own successes. Learn what motivated them to succeed. Learn about the variety of computer industry jobs they hold. Any woman who applies herself to a solid education and a determined work ethic can achieve similar success. This book will serve as an inspiring guide for any woman searching for guidance and encouragement to succeed in the computer industry.

As the life stories of the women featured in this book are unfolded, readers may come to realize that their own lives are not much different. Readers will learn from these women what it takes to get ahead in life and in their careers. Resources provided at the back of the book provides readers with some additional assistance for personal growth and professional development. Good reading for every career-minded woman!