Across the US, around 8.6 million people are employed in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) related fields, yet only 22% of them are women. What’s more, women are less likely to break through into senior roles and on average they earn a third less than their male colleagues. Yet women who have been successful in STEM are quick to recommend it. This is a field that can provide tremendous job satisfaction, especially for those whose natural talents happen to align with it. While the sector itself is looking at ways it can adapt to offer better opportunities for women, individual women are finding ways to carve out careers in it on their own terms, to participate in the exciting work that has been traditionally dominated by men.
Getting to grips with the basics
The difficulties women have traditionally had with getting into STEM careers begin at grade school. The prejudice that says some subjects are for boys and girls will never be as good at them starts early. Science shows us that it’s not true (although social factors mean girls are less confident about their math and science abilities when boys are around) but as a consequence of it, girls tend to lose interest in these subjects early on – often too early for them to understand the opportunities persistence could afford them. Many realize too late that their scores are too low for them to pursue their ambitions.
This picture isn’t as bleak as it might look. Not only are there new programs in schools specifically focused on encouraging girls in these areas, there are also increasing opportunities for women who did badly at school to sharpen up their skills as adults. This starts with free online courses teaching STEM basics and extends into night courses to improve your qualifications. Whatever your background, whatever your age, you can acquire the skills and understanding you need to get a place at college.
Getting into college
Most STEM careers require a college degree, at least if you want the option of progressing to a senior role, so obtaining a place at college is important. You don’t need to go to a big name college in order to make progress but it is a good idea to seek out one that has a good, longstanding reputation in the area you’re interested in. Bryant & Stratton College offers degrees in various aspects of technology as one of its specialties and runs several of its courses online, a helpful option for people who have disabilities or care responsibilities that complicate attending in person on a fixed schedule. When you’re preparing for a college interview, remember that men typically exaggerate their skills and qualifications while women are modest about theirs, which can put them at a disadvantage. This doesn’t mean you should be tempted to lie but it does mean you should not be afraid to assert yourself.
Finding a job
Some of the same problems can arise when it comes to finding a job. Although conscious bias against female candidates appears to be rare, people are known to be more likely to hire people they can personally relate to and people they are friends with, both of which contribute to men hiring more men. This means that women need to be better qualified and more confident in their abilities in order to find work. They may also need to be more persistent.
STEM companies still have a poor record when it comes to the introduction of flexible working practices, which can be a particular problem for women, who are more likely to have care commitments. This is something that is gradually improving across the sector due to the recognition that it makes it harder for employers to find the right talent.
Networking
Because women often find themselves alone in workplaces full of men, who may not think of inviting them to participate in their social activities, it can be difficult for them to make the connections necessary to advance. Groups like STEM Women are working to change this by raising the profile of women in the sector and helping them to find one another. There are also several very good LinkedIn groups dedicated to specific industries. Connecting with other women can make it easier to advance by building the kind of networks men take for granted – and the more women who succeed in building careers in STEM, the easier it is for those who come after them.
In short, building a STEM career can still be tough for a woman, but it’s much easier than it used to be. There are lots of people and organizations out there to help you, and it’s definitely worth the effort.