We Ask the Experts How Women Can Break Into STEM

One of the biggest challenges in getting women to pursue STEM careers is a lack of role models telling them to pursue jobs in the field. We talked to four successful women in the industry who are ready to inspire the next generation.

How did you become involved in the sector and how do you recommend women break into the industry?

My first experience with a topic I love, programming, did not occur until college. Now there are many opportunities, from courses in school to online tutorials and summer camps. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Jump in. If you have the passion and skills, opportunities will find you.

What is the most formative piece of career advice you’ve received?

Keep going. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and to get out of your comfort zone. That’s how we grow. And if we fail, we are wiser for the experience. 

What skills do you utilize every day, technical or otherwise? 

Organizational skills go a long way. There is so much to learn in this constantly changing field. It is exciting. But you need to know how to manage and prioritize your learning while being effective at what you do. Having these skills gives you the foundation needed to keep learning.

How do you think an organization can benefit from more diversity of thought and talent? 

We are creating technology for other people to improve lives. We need to better understand each other to do so. We cannot do this alone; we need the insight, abilities, and experiences of others to help us grow and meet the needs of a constantly changing world.

How did you become involved in the sector and how you you recommend women break into the industry?

Delivering talent in the scientific sector led me to my role supporting global FTSE 100 Life Science & Healthcare companies. I encourage women to follow their passion, embrace mentorship, and to map out their personal, educational, and/or skills route to achieve their goals.

What is the most formative piece of career advice you’ve received?

Focus on what you and others can do, along with the impact you have on others. The ultimate success of a business comes down to establishing the unique skills and strengths of individuals to drive collaboration that delivers beyond the abilities of a single person.

What skills do you utilize every day, technical or otherwise? 

Communication and collaboration. Thinking laterally is a critical skill, particularly for this fast-moving sector. Many organizations face similar challenges in complex environments that require unique and highly tailored solutions, but they all come down to the right people in the right place. 

How do you think an organization can benefit from more diversity of thought and talent? 

Diversity of thought allows businesses to innovate, to develop new ideas, and to create room for what’s next. Science is a leading sector for diversity of thought, which can only be sustained through a highly inclusive and diverse approach to talent.

How did you become involved in the sector and how you you recommend women break into the industry?

Biochemisty was fun; labwork was like cooking a new dish. I kept learning new fields to solve new problems and added management skills so I could decide priorities. Technical industries are looking for women who can get the job done — get that reputation and you will always have a job.

What is the most formative piece of career advice you’ve received?

Find a job that includes work you enjoy — that is what you will be good at. And do not be afraid to tackle “hard problems.” Even if it takes a long time to solve the problem, making a difference in other people’s lives is very rewarding.

What skills do you utilize every day, technical or otherwise? 

Oral and written communication, team building, critical analysis (of scientific findings and engineering challenges), and bringing ideas from one field to suggest solutions to problems in another field.

How do you think an organization can benefit from more diversity of thought and talent? 

Diversity of gender and culture helps teams create policies, products, and processes that are relevant for a much broader spectrum of the population. I see the impact of diversity in the design of biomedical devices for sure.

How did you become involved in the sector and how would you recommend women break into the industry? 

I attended a professional development entitled “Teach Computer Science” thinking I was going to teach CS to my first graders. It turned out to be a recruitment event! I loved it. I applied. Fellow women, your current skills transfer to teaching CS. Great orgs offer training — look for them and apply!

What skills do you utilize every day, technical or otherwise? 

I use interpersonal skills to build my work relationships. At some point, we will disagree or make a challenging ask of one another. Having a professional, caring relationship insulates some of the mutual discomfort. We have to trust the conflict is about moving the work forward; it isn’t personal.

What is the most formative piece of career advice you’ve received? 

My colleague Lilliana Manzone said, “Put your oxygen mask on first!” We take care of ourselves so we can do the challenging, stimulating work we are capable of. For me, I dedicate screen-free time to take care of my body & mind and nurture my personal relationships. Bonus points if we’re outdoors!  

How do you think an organization can benefit from more diversity of thought and talent? 

My belief is organizations are healthiest when they are not only diverse in race, gender, & ability, but when they also reflect the lived experiences of the populations they wish to serve. There’s an empathy, camaraderie, and urgency to one’s work when it affects your friends, family, and neighbors.

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