Anina
What is it like working as a racial minority in technical fields? Is it harder in any way?
Hi! My name is Anina and I'm a high school senior interning at Career Village. It's become a bit of a running joke between my friends and I that whenever a huge, end-of-term paper comes up in high school, I will inevitably write something about the lack of women and minorities in STEM. But as a minority in STEM, what is the job actually like for you? Is it any more difficult in some ways? Can you picture yourself staying in STEM for a long time? #science #computer #technology
4 answers
Rolilyn Joy
Rolilyn’s Answer
Hi Anina,
Congrats on the intern opportunity! While there is a lack of women and minorities, whether in STEM program or other companies, it really is up to the individual to control their destiny. Focus on 'you', as you're a women and be present in everything you do. You are an example for women and minorities - one day when you achieve a level of success, you will be able to share to the larger community and pave the way for both majority and minorities!
Good luck, Anina!
Lynn
Heather White
Heather’s Answer
So I would say that you could potentially find a greater level of comfort working in tech than in some other fields.
Wherever you are, please continue to be an advocate for diversity! We can't depend on anyone to make this happen for us, so it's important to take individual responsibility for creating diversity.
It's also important to stand up for yourself when you need to do that. There tend to be a few folks wherever you go who haven't gotten the memo. You can present yourself in a way that lets everyone know you are a person to be respected.
Good luck!
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
Your difficulties with being a minority will probably not happen while you are studying is school. It will be when you try to enter the workforce where you will experience the inner troll of America.
Be courageous. Ignore the bigotry, but don't be a marshmallow when it happens to you...which it will. Then, depending on where you work, the level of prejudice and bigotry will vary.
Stay strong. Stay proud. Do excellent work at all times so that those who look down upon you are actually looking down on themselves.
Go get 'em!
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Anna!
Congratulations on being interested is such an interesting and challenging and promising field!
Please remember this: The most important thing to remember in life is that if you really try to work to the best of your abilities and do your best to make your best contribution to your organization you will be highly regarded, valued, and thusly rewarded. It is only when people forget this basic premis that they begin to have problems.