Endorsed Employers: Accenture | Alstom | AusNet | BAE Systems | Pacific National | Rheinmetall | Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust | TBH | Western Power
That’s science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, for those who might not know! (The second ‘M’ was added in the mid-2010s to recognize the crucial role of medicine and health sciences alongside the traditional STEM fields).
The last ten years have shown tangible progress in women’s representation across many STEMM fields, particularly in education and early-career roles. But what’s it like for women working in STEMM right now?
Women in STEMM: What positive trends have we seen?
We’re glad you asked! Here’s a quick overview of some of the great things happening in this area:
- Increased enrollment: Globally and in Australia, the number of women pursuing STEMM-related degrees has increased. In Australia, nearly 50% of university STEMM students are now women.
- Growing awareness and policy initiatives: Initiatives like Australia’s Women in STEM Decadal Plan (2019-2029) have drawn attention to the need for gender equity in STEMM. These policies are directly aimed at increasing women’s participation and leadership opportunities.
- Improved workplace presentation: While the STEMM workforce in Australia remains male-dominated, 28% of the STEMM-qualified workforce are now women, compared to only about 21% ten years ago.
- Female Leadership Rising: Globally, there has been a steady increase in women holding senior STEMM leadership positions. More organizations are committing to diversity goals, and programs like Stantec’s SponsorHer focus specifically on helping women reach leadership positions.
Why STEMM is a great place to grow your career
While more work remains, the data suggests the gender gap in STEMM is slowly closing, and awareness of the issue is at an all-time high.
But data can only tell us one part of the story. For the rest, we need to speak to those in the know; so we did!
Women in STEMM working across our Endorsed Employer network share why they love their professions – and why you could, too.
1. Whatever your strengths, there’s a place for you in STEMM.
“Solving business problems with data. The idea that there’s a solution to a problem that can be crafted using technology, data, and math is motivating. It drew me into studying mathematics at university and further into my Master’s degree in Statistics. The idea is that quantitative approaches are more than just an answer but an actionable outcome. It’s super cool!”
Angela Schmidt
Advanced Analytics Manager, Data & Analytics for Pacific National
“My heart has always led me to work in Technology. I think it’s important to help people promote efficiency in how they work with data and use it to add value to their day-to-day decisions.”
Cheryl Cruz
Data and Analytics Reporting, Training, Governance Manager for Pacific National
“I “fell” into working in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) – it wasn’t an option when I left school, so I started my working life in Accounts and then worked in Procurement. Then someone asked me to look after a computer, and it all started from there. I love the logic behind it all – it’s either off or on, or either one or zero – and going through the troubleshooting steps to figure out why something doesn’t work. Figuring out the logic behind an application not behaving as it should is really interesting, and resolving an issue is extremely satisfying.”
Judy Niven
IT Operations Lead with SMCT
2. The same goes for your ‘weaknesses’…
“No one is inherently good or bad at anything; we just have individual ways of learning. Everyone with a brain can learn, but learning how you learn will be the key. I learned that I learn best when I hear and see things, whether taking notes with different colors to denote different levels of information or using words to imagine pictures with a storyline to help me visualize concepts. Engineering can be difficult, but you can learn difficult concepts and build understanding as your knowledge grows. Passion and an interest in the topics you are learning will keep you motivated when things get tough. It’s also not a race; you have plenty of time to learn what you need to know!”
Rachel Ong
Product Lead at BAE Systems
“There’s that myth that women are bad at math… while we may occasionally leverage a good bit of “Girl Math” to convince ourselves that purchasing a sale item or adding a few more into the online shopping cart to achieve “free shipping” is very logical, the reality is this “justification” is not restricted to females! I am fortunate enough to work with a team of professionals with a great diversity of gender, culture, age, and location. It’s one of the things I enjoy the most about working for Pacific National, where our diversity is a strength!”
Angela Schmidt
Advanced Analytics Manager, Data & Analytics for Pacific National
“You don’t need to be a high achiever or “academic” throughout your entire schooling! I actually failed year nine maths but went on to receive first-class honors with my electrical engineering degree. If more young women back themselves that they can do hard things (regardless of what their school report cards say) and maintain an open mind about careers in STEMM, we may start to see a shift in the numbers coming in.”
Steph Astbury
Distribution Network Controller at AusNet
3. Explore opportunities to tackle global challenges.
“Each day is different, especially in the ever-evolving field of energy transition. As electrical engineers, we’re at the cutting edge of designing and implementing renewable energy designs and systems. My current role at Western Power allows us, as women, to be involved in groundbreaking projects and brings diverse perspectives and principles to the table, which enriches and improves project outcomes.”
Jade Aye Chan Lwin
Substation Design Area Manager at Western Power
“Engineering allows you to delve deeply into the functionality of systems and contribute profoundly to new technologies worldwide. Additionally, I’ve been lucky working at Rheinmetall, and my engineering career has allowed me to live and work in Europe, which has always been a goal of mine. My career has always been interesting and diversified, and I feel that I’m always able to contribute to a better and safer world.”
Erika Gallagher
Technical Manager Mission Equipment at Rheinmetall
“I love working in STEMM as it’s never boring! There is always new technology to learn, and we have the potential to make a difference in the future of our country and the world. Our work requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills as we work together to find solutions. I love working as part of a team of passionate, smart, and fun people.”
Natalie Smith
Senior manager at Accenture
4. Challenges galore – you’ll never be bored!
“Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to solve problems that can impact people’s lives. The dynamic nature of STEMM fields means I’m constantly learning and evolving, which keeps my work exciting and fulfilling. Additionally, being part of a community that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible is incredibly inspiring. I also love how STEMM empowers me to contribute to creating a more inclusive and diverse environment where different perspectives drive better outcomes.”
Kathren Salah
Senior Associate at TBH
“As an engineer, no day is the same; all problems are different and need to be tackled differently. One day you may be designing cables, another fault-finding equipment on fighter jets, and another day, working with production technicians and suppliers on the way forward in manufacturing and developing new techniques. Because of this, you are continually learning and developing new skills.”
Erika Gallagher
Technical Manager Mission Equipment at Rheinmetall
“No two days are the same, and there is always more to learn! I get to spend my working days developing novel technology by solving cutting-edge problems and working side-by-side with experts in their respective fields. It can be stressful, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun.”
Rachel Ong
Product Lead at BAE Systems
“I really enjoy the problem-solving aspects of my work. A lot of signaling is bespoke and tailored to specific situations, so there is great scope for creativity in seeking solutions that have many, sometimes conflicting, requirements. I also gain great satisfaction from making safety and efficiency improvements to existing railway infrastructure without having to completely ‘start over’.”
Yvette Griggs
Project Technical Manager at Alstom
5. You’ll expand your thinking as part of a diverse, passionate team.
“Becoming a leader added another aspect of my love for working in STEMM. Being able to share my experiences and collaboratively work with my team and peers means we grow together in achieving the goals that we have set individually and as a team aligned with the goals of Pacific National.”
Cheryl Cruz
Data and Analytics Reporting, Training, Governance Manager for Pacific National
“This doesn’t just apply to gender, but diversity of thought drives innovation. Technology development requires new solutions, processes, and ways of thinking. We progress by standing on the shoulders of giants, and the saying attributed to Ivan Pavlov, “If you want a new idea, read an old book,” to me highlights the value of different perspectives when paired with a wealth of knowledge.”
Rachel Ong
Product Lead at BAE Systems
