6 answers
Audrey
Student
Oneonta, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
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What should I know about joining a stem field as a woman?
What should I know about being a woman in a #stem field, specifically in engineering and environmental fields, as a student interested in those fields?
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6 answers
Jessica H
R&D Engineering Intern
3
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Audrey!
While things are certainly better for women and gender minorities in STEM than they used to be, you will still face some challenges that some of your male colleagues wont. That being said, your gender has nothing to do with how capable you are! I am currently a college student and intern, and I'd say that 95% of people I work with don't exhibit sexist thoughts or tendencies. But for the few that do, Here's my advice:
1. Find a good support system. Friends, family, peers, etc. are a great resource for maintaining your self confidence. As easy as it sounds to "never doubt yourself," that's not realistic. Instead, find people who will remind you of all the amazing things you are when you forget.
2. Find people who you can talk to specifically about being a woman in STEM. Having people who understand what you're experiencing can really helps remind you that you are not alone, and that you are not the problem! Find what I call a "hype buddy," someone who you can go to whenever you need that extra encouragement boost.
3. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself! Let phrases like "I wasn't finished speaking" become part if your vocabulary. The ability to be polite but firm and confident will help you a lot.
4. Take some time to learn about Imposter Syndrome. It is something that many women in STEM experience, and in my personal opinion, being conscious of it and giving a name to it helps me to rationalize my thoughts and remember that I DO belong here! This Healthline Article is a good read on it: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome#bias
While things are certainly better for women and gender minorities in STEM than they used to be, you will still face some challenges that some of your male colleagues wont. That being said, your gender has nothing to do with how capable you are! I am currently a college student and intern, and I'd say that 95% of people I work with don't exhibit sexist thoughts or tendencies. But for the few that do, Here's my advice:
1. Find a good support system. Friends, family, peers, etc. are a great resource for maintaining your self confidence. As easy as it sounds to "never doubt yourself," that's not realistic. Instead, find people who will remind you of all the amazing things you are when you forget.
2. Find people who you can talk to specifically about being a woman in STEM. Having people who understand what you're experiencing can really helps remind you that you are not alone, and that you are not the problem! Find what I call a "hype buddy," someone who you can go to whenever you need that extra encouragement boost.
3. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself! Let phrases like "I wasn't finished speaking" become part if your vocabulary. The ability to be polite but firm and confident will help you a lot.
4. Take some time to learn about Imposter Syndrome. It is something that many women in STEM experience, and in my personal opinion, being conscious of it and giving a name to it helps me to rationalize my thoughts and remember that I DO belong here! This Healthline Article is a good read on it: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/imposter-syndrome#bias
Malar Velappan PMP, CPM, CSM, BoardBuild certified
Product Management
15
Answers
Palo Alto, California
Updated
Malar’s Answer
Hi Audrey, that's a fantastic question! You should know that you are among the most brilliant minds who could one day transform the world. As long as you maintain a mindset of learning, practicing, and gradually improving with perseverance, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Step forward with unshakeable confidence, absorb the knowledge you gain, and practically apply it wherever possible! Please remember that your gender does not define your success. You have every opportunity to excel. Wishing you the very best of luck and a great future in STEM!
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
472
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Audrey,
You should approach STEM career fields with no special considerations for your sex. That was once a consideration, but today anyone showing prejudice against women will find their attitude unwelcome. Women are excelling in every career they enter . If you do sense prejudice, do not tolerate it or meekly accept it. I wish you well.
You should approach STEM career fields with no special considerations for your sex. That was once a consideration, but today anyone showing prejudice against women will find their attitude unwelcome. Women are excelling in every career they enter . If you do sense prejudice, do not tolerate it or meekly accept it. I wish you well.
Anita Hall Frost
Engineer
4
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Anita’s Answer
Hello Audrey,
Engineering is an incredible career choice for women, particularly for those who have a passion for continuous learning, a curious mind, and a thrill for problem-solving. Women are currently underrepresented in this field, which means you might find yourself working predominantly with men. However, this can vary depending on the specific engineering degree you pursue and the industry you decide to join. For instance, Environmental Engineering consists of 35% women, while Petrochemical Engineering has only 8% women. You can find more information on this at https://swe.org/research/2023/employment/.
But don't let these statistics deter you. There's an amazing organization known as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), which offers a fantastic platform to connect with other female engineers. SWE frequently organizes events targeted at girls, with the aim of demonstrating the exciting work engineers do. Both the University of Alabama and Auburn University have SWE sections, and you could reach out to them to see if they're hosting an event near you. Additionally, SWE has a dedicated section for young pre-college women called SWENext, which you could consider joining. For more details, visit https://swe.org/k-12-outreach/swenext-clubs/.
Having spent 40 rewarding years as an engineer, I feel a surge of excitement whenever I encounter a young woman contemplating a career in this field. I wholeheartedly wish you all the best as you explore your career options. Remember, the world of engineering is full of opportunities waiting for you to seize!
Check out this video about engineers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAJGx3zP-Eo&list=RDLVI11y_FLlEp8&index=2
Join SWENext: https://swe.org/k-12-outreach/swenext-clubs/
Engineering is an incredible career choice for women, particularly for those who have a passion for continuous learning, a curious mind, and a thrill for problem-solving. Women are currently underrepresented in this field, which means you might find yourself working predominantly with men. However, this can vary depending on the specific engineering degree you pursue and the industry you decide to join. For instance, Environmental Engineering consists of 35% women, while Petrochemical Engineering has only 8% women. You can find more information on this at https://swe.org/research/2023/employment/.
But don't let these statistics deter you. There's an amazing organization known as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), which offers a fantastic platform to connect with other female engineers. SWE frequently organizes events targeted at girls, with the aim of demonstrating the exciting work engineers do. Both the University of Alabama and Auburn University have SWE sections, and you could reach out to them to see if they're hosting an event near you. Additionally, SWE has a dedicated section for young pre-college women called SWENext, which you could consider joining. For more details, visit https://swe.org/k-12-outreach/swenext-clubs/.
Having spent 40 rewarding years as an engineer, I feel a surge of excitement whenever I encounter a young woman contemplating a career in this field. I wholeheartedly wish you all the best as you explore your career options. Remember, the world of engineering is full of opportunities waiting for you to seize!
Anita recommends the following next steps:
Harini Chellappa
Director, HR Information Systems
2
Answers
Danville, California
Updated
Harini’s Answer
Hello Audrey,
STEM is a field that welcomes everyone, regardless of gender. If you have a passion for STEM subjects, don't hesitate to dive into STEM-related courses.
The tech industry is actively seeking more women to bring a variety of viewpoints to the table. So, focus on your enthusiasm for the subject matter and your eagerness to expand your knowledge.
Consider exploring companies within the environmental sector. They often offer internships, providing you with a golden opportunity to gain practical experience. This hands-on exposure can be invaluable in shaping your future in STEM. So go ahead, Audrey, and embrace the exciting world of STEM!
STEM is a field that welcomes everyone, regardless of gender. If you have a passion for STEM subjects, don't hesitate to dive into STEM-related courses.
The tech industry is actively seeking more women to bring a variety of viewpoints to the table. So, focus on your enthusiasm for the subject matter and your eagerness to expand your knowledge.
Consider exploring companies within the environmental sector. They often offer internships, providing you with a golden opportunity to gain practical experience. This hands-on exposure can be invaluable in shaping your future in STEM. So go ahead, Audrey, and embrace the exciting world of STEM!
Lucy Liu
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Chandler, Arizona
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Try to enroll in as many STEM-related courses that your school provides as you can, and participate in clubs either at school or in your local community. This will assist you in connecting with other female students who share similar interests.