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Is it hard being a woman in the STEM field?

I’ve heard that men take up most of the STEM careers and women in the field are underpaid. #women-in-stem

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Victoria’s Answer

Hi Heidi,

There are millions of jobs in the STEM field today and that number will only increase.
Here is a super article on our Verizon website about women in STEM (see below).

http://www.verizon.com/about/news/she-inspired-me-role-models-who-helped-these-women-envision-career-stem

STEM Careers offer amazing opportunities for everybody and are super for life learners.
STEM Careers in all industries are evolving as technology advances.
We don't have enough women or men in STEM Careers.

There are more and more women and minorities entering STEM fields - it is critical that everyone in our society participates in the digital renaissance occurring right now. As a trailblazer in one of these fields, you will have the opportunity to bring your unique talents and skills to this field. You will also have the ability to pay it forward by mentoring other students and peers.

Definitely join a STEM organization related to your field of study or start a STEM club at your school - read everything you can and don't be discouraged if you have a setback. Solve the issue and keep going. There is no one way to accomplish your career goals. Determination, teamwork, and preparation are your keys to success.

You will work hard in a STEM Career but you will also get to work with such amazingly talented individuals it will be totally worth it. Also note that STEM Careers tend to pay more on average than non-STEM over a lifetime.

To your question, always do your homework on the companies and organizations you join, work with, and support. Google and Wiki the organization to learn as much as you can and to see if you believe it is a good match for your own interests, talents, and concerns. Verizon has a super track record for inclusion, diversity, and working with our communities to support STEM education and careers. Check out our website and see if it helps answer your questions.

I think you will like STEM careers.

Also see weneedmore at the www.verizon.com website:
http://www.verizon.com/about/news/verizon-launches-weneedmore-national-effort-ensure-all-students-are-prepared-technology-and-science-jobs-of-the-future

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Fabíola’s Answer

I agree with the previous answer advising you to research the company you want to work for and understand its culture. I am fortunate to work for a company that values diversity and that has many women in leadership roles. Unfortunately, that alone that does not completely offset individual biases or the biases of your people outside the company with whom you will inevitably interact.

As women, to be rewarded in our careers we have to work twice as hard as our male colleagues and always keep a professional behavior. Missteps that are easily forgiven when done by a men can be the death of a women's career and that is not only in STEM. Luckily, the MeToo movement brought many of these situation to light and that only way we will change this is if we help our fellow women and if we are not afraid to pursue any career we wish.

Do not be discourage. Things are changing for better and you can be an agent of this change.
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Jewels’s Answer

I do agree that there seem to be more men than woman still in tech-I can't speak to other fields. That said, it seems that many companies are now making conscious efforts to break down biases and promote diversity in their workforce. When you're looking at prospective companies, you might want to ask if they have an employee resource group for women at the company and how active that group is.

For me, one of the most important things has been to have a good support system of peer women in tech, at my company or otherwise. To establish a network, consider attending meetups and conferences organized by women-centric tech groups and foster connections with your peers and colleagues in tech.

Having a good support system around you and building a good relationship with your manager makes a big difference. These folks are there to bounce around ideas without judgement, validate your concerns and help you problem solve.

There are some challenges as a woman in STEM but it’s so worth it! The more great women we have in the field, the more mentors a new generation has and the more you can change the culture towards inclusivity.
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Carol’s Answer

It's not hard at all, and it seems to be getting easier. There is such a push for STEM fields to get more women into the field (and to stop them leaving when they do) that many companies are actively trying to recruit women to improve their statistics. I've been in the IT field for over 20 years, the atmosphere has definitely improved, women seem to be accepted a lot more, and the pay differential has decreased (I firmly believe I've been paid comparable to my peers for many years now).
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