. >> amanda willis is one of growing number of women involved in the various programs and projects of is it necessary for a person to have a phd to advance in the work force of nasa? not at all. there are so many different ways in which a person can pursue a new career within this organization. how did you get your start? >> in high school they have the program where they go around and recruit students that were interested in the secretary field who have had some experience in typing and short hand. i started out in the clerical field with nasa. and by taking the civil service exam and i came into nasa and worked right up through the ranks by going to college in the evening. >> i worked on the shuttle program since i have been working here at nasa over 6 1/2 years that i have worked here. and it's very fascinating especially when you watch the shuttle just land on target. you get goose bumps knowing that you were an active part in making history happen. the space program has always held a fascination to me. i can remember when they first landed on the moon we sat up all night, my moth