China
Student Profile
Shirley Guo
Nanjing University of Posts and Telecom
Local Academy
Shirley Guo was accustomed to the conventional teaching methods of books and blackboards after years of standardized education. But when ITU and Cisco Systems brought an Internet Training Center to her university, Shirley was quick to embrace a new method of learning. The Cisco Academy relies on networked computers and interactive technologies to teach technology skills. As Shirley says, "It is certainly much more enjoyable than books!" And more importantly, the Academy is providing "new ways of getting knowledge" – access to learning and information that Shirley has never been exposed to. It has sparked a new interest in the IT field that has excited Shirley as a student. As she exclaims, "E-learning is fun and interesting!"
Shirley is a sophomore at the Nanjing University of Posts and Telecom in China. She is majoring in Computer Science and currently ranked 3rd within her department. As a woman in China, Shirley sees a greater importance to her pursuit of an IT career. "People tend to have a misconception that girls may not be interested in or good in IT." But Shirley has shown that women can pursue, and be successful, in IT-related fields. Furthermore, Shirley argues that girls serve an important role is sharing knowledge and empowerment. As she explains, "Girls are naturally 'broadcasters.' They are more inclined to share their experiences." As a successful student within the Cisco Academy, Shirley is looking to encourage more women to participate.
As China continues to develop, it will rely heavily on trained professionals such as Shirley to advance the capabilities of the country. Information technology will also be important in providing opportunity to some of the billions of people within China's borders. As Shirley shares, "I also think that this Program can help my country. In the global information age, more information means more opportunity for people and countries."
In the future, Shirley hopes to find a job in Network Management. She also plans to setup a LAN in her mother's factory to improve communication and efficiency. Gaining new skills in technology and networking has given Shirley the opportunity to find a passion and even give back to her family. As she says, it is "helping me get one step closer to achieving my dreams."