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Follow Your Degree & Your Dream
Many STEM related positions are available but there are not enough qualified people to fill the positions. Incredibly, women who graduate with a STEM degree, are more likely to pursue health or educational careers, leaving males to fill computer science or engineering roles.
Early Education
STEM subjects need to be introduced earlier allowing for interest and excitement to occur. Research and studies show, young girls need to be mentored in these subjects in elementary school and if unengaged, girls will begin to wane in interest as early as grade six. Approach to STEM subjects needs to change in order to attract a diverse mix of individuals interested in STEM fields, and one of these changes would include teachers being excited about subjects they’re teaching, and encouraging girls to participate.
Cultivate Confidence
Separation of males and females in regards to abilities, expectations, and wages needs to end. If women felt more confident in STEM studies, they would seek and fill these positions. Women need support and recognition in order to build confidence, allowing them to overcome being uncomfortable in classes or upon entering the field.
Role Models
Having role models to see and speak to in STEM occupations would allow females the umph they need in order to see that they can not only pursue, but succeed in STEM fields. Having an available network of women in their field would allow for women to have support and strength in STEM positions.
Encourage Engagement
More women need to be encouraged by their parents and instructors to consider studying or working in STEM related fields. According to Million Women Mentors, females occupy half of the work force but considerably less than a quarter of women work in STEM occupations.
Sources
1. http://www.millionwomenmentors.org/
2. http://gettingsmart.com/2013/11/facts-women-stem/
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/31710/11-745-women-on-boards.pdf
