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Thousands Of Women Engineers In Philly For Annual Conference

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- More than 11,000 women from all around the world are in Philadelphia this weekend for the annual Society of Women Engineers conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

From interns to senior level executives, this meeting of the minds is all about the advancement of women in a male-dominated field.

Conference CEO Karen Horting says women make up only about 12-percent of engineers.

"There's a huge need for engineers. It's one of the fastest growing sectors in terms of new jobs. So we really need to get more people engaged and working in the profession if we're going to, as a country, remain competitive and secure."

Hannah Height from Albuquerque, New Mexico is here for some networking.

"I'm kind of trying to figure out what I really want to do, so see what the companies offer, see what positions they have available."

There are a number of different events and informational sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. The conference runs through Sunday.

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