Sponsored by Chandler Macleod:
Research has shown again and again that there are not enough women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers. While women make up half of the workforce, they only make up a quarter of STEM workers.
The problem starts long before women get to the workforce. The number of women going to college to study for STEM careers has dropped in half since the mid-1980s.
Fortunately, there are a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at getting more women in the STEM career pipeline. Some of these programs start as early as grade school. This is good news, but the problem still exists around the world.
The reality is that STEM careers are an excellent option for anyone. The STEM industry has a high expectation for growth in future job openings. It also has a lower average unemployment rate than many other occupations.
Remember, STEM careers encompass far more types of job opportunities than working in a science lab all day or being an engineer. Today, STEM careers include a long list of technology jobs, too. Computer programmers, web developers, network architects, data analysts, and many more roles fall into the STEM category. As a result, the knowledge and experience needed to obtain a career in the STEM field is very diverse.
For example, a UX & UI (user interface & user experience) web designer’s job skills profile includes great communications skills in order to effectively and seamlessly communicate with business people and web developers. In this career, you have to be able to conduct statistical analysis, think strategically to support the business, and understand consumer psychology to ensure web visitors’ needs are met. On a daily basis, you could work on web, mobile, and software applications. Suffice it to say, no two days are alike. For more details, just click on the image below to visit the website of Chandler Macleod and check out the job skills profile for a UI & UX website designer.
Don’t assume you can’t succeed in a STEM career based on everything you’ve heard about it being a boys’ club. Instead, get the education and skills you need and go for it! You’ll regret it later if you don’t pursue your passion today.
