In line with old-school gender expectations, however, Planchard does note she is in a “helping” profession: “I help people by giving them great products or helping them create great products of their own.”

Her advice to girls:

• When in doubt take more math.
• Know that you can do it (because you can).
• And as Apollo 13 Commander Capt. James Lovell Jr. said at SolidWorks World, success is the only option.

Read the SolidWorks Teacher blog here: http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/

Fact: Eighteen percent of undergrad engineering degrees went to women in 2009, according to the American Society for Engineering Education. Undergraduate female enrollment in engineering ticked slightly higher for the second straight year, rising to 18.2 percent in fall 2009 from 17.5 percent in 2007.

About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit our Web site ( www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation in the US and other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2011 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.

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