Regardless of the efforts lately to convey extra ladies into tech, ladies nonetheless solely make up lower than a 3rd of the STEM workforce, based on information from MIT.

In keeping with MIT, among the actions that may be taken to extend these numbers embrace encouraging women to pursue an training in STEM from a younger age, creating inclusive workplaces, selling feminine position fashions, offering skilled improvement alternatives, and addressing structural boundaries, just like the gender pay hole and lack of family-friendly insurance policies. 

Crystal Nguyen, a analysis engineer at E Ink, which develops the expertise present in Kindle screens, shared a few of her perspective in a Q&A on being a lady in engineering and the way she hopes firms change insurance policies to be extra inclusive and supportive of girls. 

Q: What does it imply to you to be a lady in engineering?

A: Being a lady brings a sure cultural expectation that goes past any single trade or vertical, so it is very important take into account the intersectionality of being a working girl in a male-dominated discipline like engineering. Regardless of that, it’s obvious to many organizations that variety of thought can develop options which are extra environment friendly and create new alternatives. It empowers the artistic problem-solvers with expertise skillsets that may rework the trade. 

Q: Are there any explicit experiences you’d wish to share?

A: Firms that may look intrinsically and construct a tradition that’s pushed by steady studying, innovation, and inclusive participation of workers will see like-minded expertise look their approach. Throughout my time at E Ink, I’ve noticed a optimistic shift in the direction of fostering extra inclusive environments, with the next illustration of girls in management positions similar to administrators and vice presidents. Our VP of Analysis, Karen Du, serves as a wonderful instance of a powerful feminine chief, and I’m personally impressed by her accomplishments and the challenges she faces in her high-level position.

Q: What progress have you ever seen all through your profession?

A: Whereas there are nonetheless quite a few challenges to beat, one notable change I’ve witnessed throughout the trade over time is a larger emphasis on constructing various and inclusive groups. Essentially the most vital progress I’ve skilled personally is discovering and honing my voice. As an Asian girl, our tradition typically tends to be extra conservative, and it is a discovered habits. Nonetheless, growing and expressing my very own voice has been vital to my success.

Q: How can firms and leaders higher assist ladies?

A: Firms ought to present extra alternatives for ladies to advance to increased ranges, whether or not via promotion cycles or skilled improvement initiatives. Gaining publicity to the roles and tasks on the subsequent stage is important for buying the talents vital to achieve these positions. This contains fostering a tradition of empowerment. Moreover, having leaders in place who can supply steerage and assist for enchancment is essential at each stage.

Q: What recommendation would you give to ladies trying to progress their careers in tech?

A: Be proactive in asking questions and actively have interaction along with your work. Select an trade that really ignites your ardour and helps your profession development. While you align your inside aspirations along with your exterior targets, your colleagues and superiors will acknowledge your enthusiasm, resulting in larger engagement and receptiveness.