Why Women Choose STEM Careers: Insights from Two Engineers
Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
I asked two successful ladies why they chose STEM careers.
REPLY #1:
I think women are too worried about what others will think about them. They do not want to be perceived as nerds or “nerdy.” I did not care -I was in it for the job and the security of the paycheck. I decided in 9th grade that I would NOT depend on any man for a roof over my head, clothes on my back, wheels under my feet, or food in my mouth. Period. I knew that engineering would provide the lifestyle that I was looking for.
What happened that taught me that? The neighbor lady across the cul de sac in Addison, Illinois, came over one Saturday morning just bawling her eyes out. Her husband had left her for another woman. He made all the $$$; she had three kids and no job, no skills, and no freakin’ way to pay the bills………! Her life changed dramatically, and there was little we could do about it!
I sat at the top of the stairs and listened to what was happening in the kitchen one floor below. My mother was trying to console her; her name was Marlene, and she was inconsolable. That, folks, was my lesson!
I NEVER WANTED TO BE LIKE MARLENE…………….!!!
I promised myself that, and so started my career exploration, thinking that high school teaching would be it, until my math teacher suggested engineering and shoved a Purdue University flyer in my face, telling me that I would like engineering because there were a lot of guys in it! The week at Purdue, the summer of my Junior year, sealed the deal -100 guys, five girls, and well, let’s say I was hooked on Purdue and Engineering!!! I got a roommate out of the deal, and the future was becoming clearer!!!
REPLY #2:
My journey to engineering started when I was in the 6th grade. The math teacher took two of us out of the class and gave us high school math work to keep us occupied. I excelled in math in high school, and the guidance counselor directed me toward teaching math.
On the first day of my senior year, I ran into my chemistry teacher, who asked what classes I was taking. She took my arm and guided me to the counselor. She told him to put me in physics and to get me to Purdue to visit the School of Engineering. She told me I would have a more enjoyable career and make more money as an engineer.
My college Thermodynamics professor, head of the co-op program in Mechanical Engineering, told me I was a good student but needed work experience. He put me in the co-op program, so I was only on campus every other semester.
“I Had Two Marlene’s”
I also have two aunts who had the same issues as Marlene. My father helped both as they raised their families. It did affect me.
Lessons
Role Models in High School: Teachers noted their abilities, and some steered them towards STEM courses and potential employment
Seeing what happens to women who are 100% dependent on a man. I have seen numerous times where the husband and father 100% abandons their family.
Being introduced to Purdue while still in high school
Both were good students, excelling in school
Personal drive to succeed.
Hard Work—I have never met a successful individual who avoided hard Work.
Giving Back!
More universities should routinely send recent graduates to schools (the lower grades included) to discuss career options. Most kids and adults have no idea what Engineers, Scientists, Architects, etc., really do. Let’s give an early view into what is possible and may be aligned with your interests. I wish I had known what financial professionals do when I was younger and how to get started.
We can demonstrate to many more young people opportunities they may not see and increase the number of STEM professionals.
The paths to financial freedom are UNLIMITED. CHOOSE YOUR OWN!
LET’S MAKE SOME MONEY – CRYPTOCURRENCY IS ACCEPTED!
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU WANT TO READ NEXT? WHAT QUESTIONS CAN I ANSWER? UNTIL NEXT TIME!
YOUR GREATNESS IS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE; IT’S WHAT YOU GIVE! – SOME CHARITIES I SUPPORT
St Jude Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/
Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Folds of Honor: https://foldsofhonor.org
Wilson’s No-Kill Animal Shelter: https://wcnkas.org
TRUST ME – YOU WILL LIKE THE BLOGS BELOW!
What we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments—even When They Are Not Trying!
Purdue Going On Eight Years (Now Eleven) Without a Tuition Increase – YES IT IS POSSIBLE!
Escaping The Vicious Cycle Of Student Loans!
To Join Wealth Building Powers BLOG:
PLEASE SIGN UP TO FOLLOW ME BY PROVIDING YOUR E-MAIL IN THE WORDPRESS BLOG PAGE SUBSCRIBE BOX!
Thank you to my followers and readers for your likes and comments. I welcome all comments, recommendations, and feedback, which will be utilized to improve this blog.
ABOUT ME
I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) and an investment and finance blogger with an NC state, Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University, MBA, and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
DISCLAIMER
I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate, and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
Please seek individual financial advice from your licensed CPA or fiduciary financial advisors.
I write this weekly blog to make an impact by reaching an audience and demonstrating the need for financial literacy. I will help you achieve that goal.
To follow my daily posts on Instagram, CLICK BELOW:
http://instagram.com/wealth_building_powers
Mr. Powers, you nailed my story perfectly!! Thank you! If any of your readers want to know more details, please direct them to me! Who knows??? Maybe someday I will follow in your footsteps and write a blog, too! DG from Illinois