A No-Nonsense Guide to Thriving and Surviving as a Woman in STEM
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A No-Nonsense Guide to Thriving and Surviving as a Woman in STEM
Don’t let the patriarchy get you down.
By Renushi Ubeyratna
The field of STEM has historically favoured male predominance and patriarchal values over placing due value and recognition to women who have and continue to contribute significantly in many ways. At its core, the subtle (and sometimes explicit) adversities that women face in their route to academic and career success, have rarely been addressed. Here, we offer a finely curated list of fool-proof tips to empower women and girls not only to better navigate the world of STEM but thrive in it.
01. Reframe Your Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a very common fear of not being good enough. As a woman or girl in STEM, you may find yourself in an environment that may be biased towards male colleagues – or you may belong to a family that is generally unsupportive of women and girls pursuing a field that is traditionally considered ‘masculine.’ These situations can make many women and girls feel inadequate and undeserving. It can be hard and discouraging to navigate through these barriers and still remain steadfast in your passion for STEM. Addressing imposter syndrome is easier said than done. This is why reframing a mindset of doubt sounds a lot more doable than completely nipping imposter syndrome in the bud.
Identify and acknowledge feelings of doubt when they emerge. Remind yourself that nobody has all the answers and is ‘perfect’ in every way.
Reframe your negative thoughts by consciously turning them into can-do statement. For example, instead of thinking “I am a failure because I did not score well during the aptitude test,” consider reframing your thought to “I tried my best and will use this incident to work hard and score well the next time.”
02. Be fearless
Let go of common stereotypes that label fearless women as “girl-bosses” and constant “go-getters.” Being fearless has more to do with how you define your life, career and goals with confidence and courage, and a less to do with being “strong” and “brave” all the time.
Developing negotiation skills, for example, is a strong asset for women in STEM. Learning to say ‘no’ can not only boost your confidence but will also ensure that you avoid settling less.
Be agile, and always apply your learning to future work. It is normal to feel intimidated and helpess, especially in a career that is traditionally male-dominated. But learning to not be intimidated by failure and adopting a resilient mindset along the way is a great recipe for success.
03. Find a mentor that embodies feminist leadership
Do not underestimate the power of a good role model and mentor. If you are just starting out in STEM, having a feminist mentor in a traditionally male-dominated field can help dismantle systems that disallow female leadership, help shift the status quo, provide more role models for young women and girls and help foster a conversation on the need for female leadership in STEM fields.
Young women in STEM are already a force to be reckoned with, and some valuable guidance from a mentor can certainly help change the tide. Having a feminist leader as a guide and mentor, especially in your early years in STEM not only boosts your confidence in navigating a tricky environment but will also help mould you into a leader and role model for peers and juniors.
04. Find or Build your Girl Gang
Navigating a career in STEM can be hard, especially if you find yourself entering the field alone. Find a support system that you can lean on when times get tough. We all need a friend, family member, mentor and/or loved one to confide in whenever you have moments of self-doubt.
Speak to someone you trust and surround yourself in spaces that are non-judgmental and respectful whenever possible. A quick search online will also provide you with a host of online support groups and networks of other women and girls in STEM who support each other and understand the challenges and hurdles that comes along in a career in STEM. Surround yourself with people who encourage you and inspire intellectual curiosity.
Always believe and remain firm in the idea that women and girls are equally skilled in logical thinking and problem solving and are certainly a valued part of the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning to be steadfast, fearless, and dedicated are fundamental to a successful career path in STEM.
Sources –
https://theglitterguide.com/2019/11/18/reframe-your-imposter-syndrome/
https://cmo.marketo.com/2018/03/09/the-fearless-woman/