What does it take to be a woman in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics? The simple answer would be: good enough GCSE grades to get you into a STEM programme at tertiary level, and then even better grades to get you through the rigorous university courses to make it to graduation. The more complicated answer would explain that the process isn’t as easy as it seems on paper or on LinkedIn posts that often only show the end product and never the truth, which is far more complicated. This article explores the challenges and joys of being a female student and/or professional in STEM. From navigating stereotypes in classrooms to breaking barriers at work, it highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of these women.
What Is STEM?
What is STEM and what career paths can be considered as STEM programmes? A STEM career is any job rooted in one of four fields: science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. These careers span a huge range of industries and education levels, from technicians with associate’s degrees to researchers with doctorates.
The acronym breaks down into broad categories, each covering several specialisations:
- Science includes fields like biology, chemistry, environmental science, geoscience, and physics. Jobs range from microbiologists and epidemiologists to soil and plant scientists.
- Technology covers computer science, information systems, cybersecurity, and data science. Roles include information security analysts, computer network architects, and systems managers.
- Engineering spans chemical, mechanical, civil, architectural, bioprocess, and robotics engineering, along with technician roles that support them.
- Mathematics encompasses actuaries, statisticians, and mathematicians, as well as the growing number of data-focused roles that rely heavily on quantitative analysis.
Now that we’ve established what STEM programmes are, let us delve into ways to navigate this world of innovation and discovery.
The Challenges Women Face in STEM Careers
Being a woman in STEM means working in fields where you are statistically outnumbered, and navigating structural barriers that men in the same roles rarely face. One must also overcome the psychological weight of stereotypes. When a person is aware of negative stereotypes about their group, the anxiety of potentially confirming those stereotypes undermines their performance. For example, the stereotype that women are worse at math makes women perform worse on math tasks, but only when the stereotype is activated. One of the first barriers many women face is overcoming the psychological effects of stereotypes and self-doubt. Building confidence in your abilities is important, alongside recognising and navigating the structural barriers that still exist in many STEM fields. Believe that you deserve to be in STEM and that your abilities are just as valuable as those of your male counterparts. Developing this mindset can make it easier to navigate challenges with confidence.
Mentorship also plays a major role in retaining women in STEM and is a simple yet effective way to encourage female participation. One must attach themselves to a female mentor very early in their career; this could be peers in advanced programmes or women working in the industry. Mentorship is great for motivation and benchmarking. Studies suggest that female mentors can increase internship participation, encourage aspirations for postgraduate study in engineering, and improve confidence and emotional well-being. Feeling a sense of community or sisterhood is very important in any field, not just STEM.
Skills Every Woman Needs to Succeed in STEM
Dedication, hard work and resilience are characteristics that one will have to nurture as they work their way up in STEM. Long hours of study, fieldwork and research will be demanded of you, regardless of your gender. STEM requires innovation and good problem-solving skills; work smart, not hard, they say. Collaboration and teamwork are also important skills to foster; teamwork makes the dream work! Some might even say that you learn more from your peers than you ever will in the lecture hall.
The Rewards of Building a Career in STEM
Being a woman in STEM may sometimes mean being the only woman in a meeting, a lab group, or a lecture hall. It means facing questions about your competence that your male colleagues never face. It can mean having your ideas attributed to someone else, being interrupted more frequently, or watching less qualified peers advance faster. However, it is also very rewarding; many women in STEM describe a deep sense of purpose and belonging in their work despite the odds. This isn’t a story of the underdog finally overcoming. This is not simply a story about overcoming adversity. It is a story about resilience, determination and creating space in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. This is a story of resilience, of creating space in a field that didn’t care to create room for you. Not a story about man versus woman but a monologue, with a solo act; you. You’re not a female doctor, engineer or architect; you are simply just a doctor, engineer or architect. Your gender adds nothing and removes nothing from your capabilities in your field. You are the protagonist of your STEM story; do not let it be a sob story.
