"It is pretty neat to know something I have worked on is in space," says Elaine Berger.
	Building a Network Networking is important in all areas of your life. At school, work, and in social situations, finding connections with others, and creating relationships is important. Tips for success: • Say hello. The first step is introducing yourself; then share an interest or goal you have. This will get the conversation rolling. • Open your mind. Just because someone doesn't share your exact interests doesn't mean they wouldn't make a good ally. You never know where life might lead you. • Don't be shy. If you have the opportunity to meet someone you respect, like a speaker at an event, go up an introduce yourself. Remember, people are just people.

Out of this World
Interview with a Female Engineer

By Ruthe Farmer, staff writer

The sky's the limit—or not…

Twenty-nine-year-old Elaine Berger is blond and bubbly with a friendly smile. She also helps create satellites for a living.

Elaine is a software engineer at EMS Technologies, a company that designs subsystems for aerospace, defense, and satellites. In her work, Elaine writes software programs used to test how the designs will perform in real environments. The tests simulate conditions like cold, vibration, heat, or radio waves. "It is pretty neat to know something I have worked on is in space," said Elaine.

How'd She Do That?

It was natural for Elaine to pursue an engineering degree. Her mother is a computer programmer and her grandfather is one of the rocket scientists that helped start the U.S. space program. "Computer science was always easy for me," shared Elaine. "I am a big crossword fan and Scrabble player, so I think that is just the way my mind works. I enjoy figuring out how things work."

Elaine attended engineering school at the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, where she earned a degree in electrical engineering with a computer engineering focus. "It was nice being one of the only girls in engineering school. No one ever made me feel like I didn't belong there," explained Elaine.

Perks, Perks, Perks!

What is the best part of being a computer engineer? "It is really neat to write a program and see it actually working. You get this feeling of excitement to see something you created working. Also, I wear jeans to work nearly every day!" Elaine replied with a smile.

Walking in Her Shoes

Elaine offers some words of wisdom for girls interested in studying engineering. "Take as much math as you can. That is really important. Also, if I could go back and do college again I would do a co-op program where you work one semester and go to school for a semester. That gives you more perspective on the work world."

It's What AND Who You Know

In the world of work, networking is important. Letting people know who you are and what your skills are opens doors to new opportunities.

Networking can be formal or informal. Elaine participated in the Georgia 100 Mentoring Program, which is designed for women only. The program accepts 100 high-potential, mid-level businesswomen each year and offers them executive education, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

It's Never too Early…

Elaine is the youngest woman to ever be a member of the Georgia 100 and was nominated by her company, EMS Technologies. "I'm not yet a mid-level businesswoman," Elaine explained. "I am more at the beginning. This was a great opportunity for me!"