The tech industry is growing rapidly, which means career opportunities are abundant. In spite of that growth, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields continue to see a serious deficit of women. Part of the solution: more female role models.
We’ll admit to some bias on this front, because we have a vested interest in women choosing STEM careers, especially those related to engineering. However, that’s not universally the case. While women have been the driving force behind a number of technological advances, in general these fields are still seen as male-dominated industries and career paths.
What might make a significant difference? Women championing STEM careers and showing young girls the benefits of a STEM-career focus. Today, on average, 60% of college graduates are women, yet women represent less than 25% of the workers in STEM fields. If more women not only entered fields such as biology, chemistry, medicine, physics or computer science, but also mentored other women and girls and helped them understand the value of STEM careers, it could have a huge impact. Girls need role models who have evolved from the career paths of yesteryear. They need to see that the sky truly is the limit for what they can do and accomplish. This infographic lays out this information visually; showing it to girls might open their eyes to some of the opportunities that exist for them.
In 2010, for every computer science major there were seven relevant job openings. Today there are more STEM industry job openings than there are qualified candidates. It’s predicted that by 2020, there will be 1 million more STEM jobs than there are students to fill them.
Working in a STEM field also comes with benefits that women are missing out on. For example, college graduates in STEM fields face a lower unemployment rate than graduates in non-STEM fields. Additionally, 30% of all job openings in large cities are for positions in STEM fields, which means there are opportunities across the nation and world. Yet only 11% of the U.S. population has a degree in a STEM field.
Women who obtain degrees in a STEM field like engineering, medicine or physics are much more likely to find a job and make a competitive salary in comparison to their male counterparts. Female workers between the ages of 16 and 34 now earn 90% of what men earn — an overdue achievement for women in the work force. And, not surprisingly, women who work in a STEM field make 33% more than women in other fields.
Bottom line, STEM careers offer a huge opportunity to women, especially in the immediate future. Together we can work to steer our girls toward STEM learning and STEM careers. And while men can play a role, women can do even more by acting as career stewards and role models and mentoring young girls whenever possible. What do you say? Are you in?