How Women can Succeed in Stem Jobs
by Naomi Johnson
Women have made great strides by lending their talents in predominantly male-orientated job sectors. However, there is still much ground to be made up in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) job fields, where some bias still seems to exist. Here are a few helpful tips (presented by holistic home office) that women in these job sectors can use to overcome the common hurdles that they continue to experience to this day.
Overcoming intimidation in the workplace
Sadly, women continue to experience intimidation in STEM-related jobs. However, it is possible to overcome feelings of hostility and intimidation by choosing not to be affected by them. Instead, focus on your self-worth and the skills you can bring to the table. Soon, you’ll start to feel your confidence rising to the point where any backlash won’t bother you anymore.
Request more transparent processes
Request more transparent processes. These days, it’s common knowledge that men are often paid higher salaries than women in the same jobs. That’s why it’s so important to request more transparency. This should include establishing the going rate for someone in your position (regardless of your gender), what the perks are (if any), and if you’re entitled to the same benefits as others in your position.
Keep your options open
Not all workplaces are ready to embrace the fact that women can be just as indispensable as men, despite the many other commitments that women have to contend with. One thing women have to deal with is being overlooked because they may have to take more time off to, for instance, tend to familial matters. Another example is, not having as many growth opportunities as their male counterparts, due to the misconception that women can’t accomplish or achieve as much in life.
This is why choosing an employer who is open to more flexibility in the workplace and who values you for what you can bring to the table is vital. And if they’re not, then there’s no better time than the present to look elsewhere, as things are slowly starting to change in this respect globally, with the rise of remote work and an increased focus on workplace equality than ever before.
Find the right mentors
Find the right mentors. Suppose you’re on the quest to find a mentor to help you succeed in your career, but you’re finding that there aren’t that many options because, women are having difficulty progressing in mentorship programs. If so, it’s okay to keep searching for the right person you can rely on and trust to take you where you need to be — whether that be male or female.
Furthering your knowledge
The only way to combat STEM-related prejudice is to sharpen your skills so no one can question your credentials and experience ever again. If you are talented at project management, for example, then consider taking a scrum master course available online that covers SCRUM strategies and tactics, so you can improve communication and collaboration between team members. You can even take a skills assessment afterward to double-check that you have the skills and knowledge required to manage and oversee a SCRUM project to the end.
Starting your own STEM business
If you’re not finding that jobs are opening up for you in your field, consider creating a job for yourself by opening your own business. A good starting point would be to include a business plan as part of your overall strategy and include important details such as the structure of your business, how you would obtain capital to launch your business, what your financial projections are likely to be, etc.
At the end of the day, as a woman, you’re entitled to many of the same benefits and sense of inclusion that anyone could expect to receive at any workplace. However, if you’re still feeling doubtful about the reality of it all, you can always have a safety net in the form of a professional development certificate, to help you be taken more seriously in your industry.
If you want to know the secrets, tricks, and tips for working happily and healthily remotely, visit the holistic home office website.
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