‘Machine Design’ Features Monica Eaton-Cardone: More Women Needed in STEM Careers
Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) fields are more in-demand than ever before. However, as Global Risk Technologies™™ CIO Monica Eaton-Cardone explains, the number of STEM graduates entering the workforce will only be enough to fill a fraction of the necessary positions.
In a new piece for technology publication Machine Design titled ‘STEM Job Demand Means More Women Need Apply,’ Eaton-Cardone touched on the need for more women to fill the growing demand for STEM professionals.
STEM Professionals Falling Far Short of Need
Monica pointed toward a recent study on job prospects for STEM fields conducted by Burning Glass Technologies, and the numbers showcasing the shortage of manpower were stark:
“…the study read that there are 4 million job openings for computer workers on average every year, yet only approximately 40,000 computer-science bachelor’s degree graduates annually.
Monica goes on to share statistics from her home state of Florida. Nearly 25,000 open computing jobs need to be filled, but just shy of 2,000 individuals graduated with computer science degrees in 2013.
Clearly, there is a massive shortfall when it comes to available STEM graduates. However, Monica suggests that there is a way to significantly boost the number of STEM professionals ready to enter the marketplace—encourage more females down that career path.
Despite the Prospects of Greater Innovation, Gender Diversity is Lacking
Studies show, time and time again, that more diverse organisations tend to be more dynamic, adaptable, and ultimately more innovative. More diverse bodies offer a broader range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, meaning that the more diverse an organisation can be, the more likely it is to find success.
Despite that fact, females tend to avoid STEM-related fields, occupying just 25% of science & technology-related jobs, with massive shortfall specifically in computing and engineering. As Monica suggests, a major part of that reason is based in outdated social stereotypes and a lack of positive reinforcement and encouragement:
“In the study, 21% of girls report that their parents have encouraged them to become an actress, while only 10% of girls reported that their parents encouraged them to pursue a career in engineering. Due to this lack of encouragement in pursuing STEM careers, 57% of all girls have said that girls typically don’t consider careers in STEM.
Unfortunately, when females do express interest in STEM subjects, they are often met with stereotypical arguments. Comments like, “women aren’t good at math,” actually contradict scientific evidence that proves the sexes are equal. However, these societal opinions are discouraging and dissuasive—and have successfully pushed females out of these careers.
The way to help counteract this problem to create a system to support and encourage women in these male-dominated industries, as well as recruit more young girls toward STEM education.
Read the full article here.
