WISE UP: A New Course for Women Returners Run at Reading

Abstract

The course under discussion here is aimed at helping women return to the software industry. This is achieved by helping them to regain confidence in their existing skills in the computing industry and to update and consolidate their knowledge of software engineering; hence its name — Women In Software Engineering UPdate. The course covers the entire software life cycle from feasibility study to maintenance, looking at methodologies and tools for each phase². For instance, formal methods of specification are introduced; very few women who have been out of the industry for any length of time will have experienced these more rigorous approaches to software specification. The course teaches aspects of project management, costing, general information gathering, data analysis, programming in C and systems analysis using Yourdon and JSD. In addition confidence building topics are covered, including such subjects as interview skills and CV preparation.