2 answers
Nora
Student
Olympia, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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For women in male dominated fields, have you ever deterred from following your choice career path because it wasn't safe or inclusive?
Hi! I am a high school senior who is a nationally ranked powerlifter! My biggest career motivation is helping others, and I want to work to be a firefighter or paramedic! I am going to college at Montana State University this fall and majoring in kinesiology/nutrition.
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2 answers
Allison Nixon
Social Impact
8
Answers
Salt Lake City, Utah
Updated
Allison’s Answer
Wow, that's crazy impressive, Nora! Nice work.
Both of those career paths sound so exciting. I work in corporate tech, so I can't speak to those fields specifically, but tech is certainly male dominated as well and comes with similar challenges as a woman. To date, the field itself being male dominated hasn't deterred me from following my career path, but it's certainly been shaping certain career choices I've made. The biggest one is being super tuned into and mindful about women's experiences at other tech companies. I definitely have a mental "no go" list of companies who I'm personally not interested in ever working for due to what I've heard about their culture and attitudes towards women. Similarly, I have several companies I've heard excellent things about that I'd jump at the chance to apply to in the future, given the right opportunity and timing.
Another choice it's shaped has been seeking out role models and women in tech who crushing it to learn from and shape my perspective. Whether I'm able to connect with them personally, or read their books, follow them on LinkedIn, etc, I find that filling my view of the world with what I want to be really helps me feel strong standing where I want to stand. There's definitely something to be said about finding the footsteps that I have gone ahead and knowing you're not going it alone.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Both of those career paths sound so exciting. I work in corporate tech, so I can't speak to those fields specifically, but tech is certainly male dominated as well and comes with similar challenges as a woman. To date, the field itself being male dominated hasn't deterred me from following my career path, but it's certainly been shaping certain career choices I've made. The biggest one is being super tuned into and mindful about women's experiences at other tech companies. I definitely have a mental "no go" list of companies who I'm personally not interested in ever working for due to what I've heard about their culture and attitudes towards women. Similarly, I have several companies I've heard excellent things about that I'd jump at the chance to apply to in the future, given the right opportunity and timing.
Another choice it's shaped has been seeking out role models and women in tech who crushing it to learn from and shape my perspective. Whether I'm able to connect with them personally, or read their books, follow them on LinkedIn, etc, I find that filling my view of the world with what I want to be really helps me feel strong standing where I want to stand. There's definitely something to be said about finding the footsteps that I have gone ahead and knowing you're not going it alone.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Thank you so much!
Nora
Sahida Khatun
Software Consultant and Analyst
104
Answers
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Updated
Sahida’s Answer
Hi!! That’s such an awesome intro—nationally ranked powerlifter? That’s seriously impressive! And your motivation to help others through a career in firefighting or emergency response is so inspiring. You’re already walking a courageous path!
To answer your question: yes, many women in male-dominated fields have felt discouraged at times—whether due to safety concerns, lack of inclusion, or simply being underestimated. Fields like firefighting, paramedicine, law enforcement, and even some areas of STEM still face gender balance challenges.
Some common experiences they’ve shared:
• Lack of representation: Not seeing other women in leadership or on the ground can make it feel isolating.
• Doubts from others: Being told “you’re too small” or “this isn’t a job for women” (which we know is total nonsense—you being a powerlifter shuts that down real fast).
• Concerns about safety: In physically demanding, high-risk jobs like firefighting, some women have voiced worries about getting proper gear that fits or not having the same level of mentorship or respect in the field.
• Lack of inclusive support systems: Things like bathrooms, changing rooms, or family leave policies often aren’t designed with women in mind.
But here’s the powerful part: most women who stuck it out say it was 100% worth it—and their presence made those environments better for everyone. By breaking those norms, they didn’t just succeed—they led the way for others.
And honestly? With your strength, compassion, and drive—you will do the same. Going into kinesiology/nutrition is also such a smart route—it aligns beautifully with performance, recovery, and emergency services.
To answer your question: yes, many women in male-dominated fields have felt discouraged at times—whether due to safety concerns, lack of inclusion, or simply being underestimated. Fields like firefighting, paramedicine, law enforcement, and even some areas of STEM still face gender balance challenges.
Some common experiences they’ve shared:
• Lack of representation: Not seeing other women in leadership or on the ground can make it feel isolating.
• Doubts from others: Being told “you’re too small” or “this isn’t a job for women” (which we know is total nonsense—you being a powerlifter shuts that down real fast).
• Concerns about safety: In physically demanding, high-risk jobs like firefighting, some women have voiced worries about getting proper gear that fits or not having the same level of mentorship or respect in the field.
• Lack of inclusive support systems: Things like bathrooms, changing rooms, or family leave policies often aren’t designed with women in mind.
But here’s the powerful part: most women who stuck it out say it was 100% worth it—and their presence made those environments better for everyone. By breaking those norms, they didn’t just succeed—they led the way for others.
And honestly? With your strength, compassion, and drive—you will do the same. Going into kinesiology/nutrition is also such a smart route—it aligns beautifully with performance, recovery, and emergency services.