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Is it hard being a woman in the STEM field?

I’ve heard that men take up most of the STEM careers and women in the field are underpaid. #women-in-stem

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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Heidi,

There are millions of jobs in the STEM field today and that number will only increase.
Here is a super article on our Verizon website about women in STEM (see below).

http://www.verizon.com/about/news/she-inspired-me-role-models-who-helped-these-women-envision-career-stem

STEM Careers offer amazing opportunities for everybody and are super for life learners.
STEM Careers in all industries are evolving as technology advances.
We don't have enough women or men in STEM Careers.

There are more and more women and minorities entering STEM fields - it is critical that everyone in our society participates in the digital renaissance occurring right now. As a trailblazer in one of these fields, you will have the opportunity to bring your unique talents and skills to this field. You will also have the ability to pay it forward by mentoring other students and peers.

Definitely join a STEM organization related to your field of study or start a STEM club at your school - read everything you can and don't be discouraged if you have a setback. Solve the issue and keep going. There is no one way to accomplish your career goals. Determination, teamwork, and preparation are your keys to success.

You will work hard in a STEM Career but you will also get to work with such amazingly talented individuals it will be totally worth it. Also note that STEM Careers tend to pay more on average than non-STEM over a lifetime.

To your question, always do your homework on the companies and organizations you join, work with, and support. Google and Wiki the organization to learn as much as you can and to see if you believe it is a good match for your own interests, talents, and concerns. Verizon has a super track record for inclusion, diversity, and working with our communities to support STEM education and careers. Check out our website and see if it helps answer your questions.

I think you will like STEM careers.

Also see weneedmore at the www.verizon.com website:
http://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-launches-weneedmore-national-effort-ensure-all-students-are-prepared-technology-and-science-jobs-of-the-future

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Jewels’s Answer

I do agree that there seem to be more men than woman still in tech-I can't speak to other fields. That said, it seems that many companies are now making conscious efforts to break down biases and promote diversity in their workforce. When you're looking at prospective companies, you might want to ask if they have an employee resource group for women at the company and how active that group is.

For me, one of the most important things has been to have a good support system of peer women in tech, at my company or otherwise. To establish a network, consider attending meetups and conferences organized by women-centric tech groups and foster connections with your peers and colleagues in tech.

Having a good support system around you and building a good relationship with your manager makes a big difference. These folks are there to bounce around ideas without judgement, validate your concerns and help you problem solve.

There are some challenges as a woman in STEM but it’s so worth it! The more great women we have in the field, the more mentors a new generation has and the more you can change the culture towards inclusivity.
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Sharon’s Answer

Your success can really be influenced by your organization and the support from your leaders. I've been fortunate to have amazing leaders who have backed me throughout my career. Although most of my team is male, I believe it's more about the individuals than gender differences. In my team of 15, there are only 2 women, but I love seeing companies actively support women in the field. They are creating policies that help women, like offering childcare services, extended maternity leaves, and flexible work schedules.
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Madison’s Answer

It’s not always easy. In any field of work! It is important to understand that unfortunately there may be some biasis. I think it is great to acknoledge that and then consider how can you handle/respond to that. How can you help prevent or change this for others. Your presence alone in a male dominated field is important and makes a difference whether you know that or not. You are right that there also can be some financial differences which is so unfortunate. Ask for transparency with your jobs/job applications. See if you can/legally are alotted to information on what others at that job make and how your income compares. Ask for a raise when you have earned it! If you don't ask/advocate for yourself, no one else will.

Find female mentors!! Make yourself a leader and mentor for women around you and after you! Show people with your actions that you deserve and are qualified! Actions always speak volumes. Stand up for yourself and others.

Think about who your leadership/boss/supervisor at a job/role may be. Is it a female? For me, I really looked for positions where there was already female leadership as I knew that that may help prevent/lessen some of these biases/struggles. However, it may also be so brave and SO important to be the FIRST or only female at a job/area of specialty. YOU can be the change and you should never doubt/forget that.

Remember it takes time (gender aside) to prove your work. While you can TELL people you are equal/great/worthy, it will always be easier to just SHOW them. People WILL see your hard work over time and if they don't, you should find a different job. Do NOT stay at a place that you feel unsafe/unwelcomed/underpaid or undervalued. There are ALWAYS other schools/programs/jobs where you won't feel that way.

I hope this helps!!

Madison
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Carol’s Answer

It's not hard at all, and it seems to be getting easier. There is such a push for STEM fields to get more women into the field (and to stop them leaving when they do) that many companies are actively trying to recruit women to improve their statistics. I've been in the IT field for over 20 years, the atmosphere has definitely improved, women seem to be accepted a lot more, and the pay differential has decreased (I firmly believe I've been paid comparable to my peers for many years now).
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