Following on from our previous successful #WomenInSTEM campaigns, which not only celebrates Women’s History Month, but the wide range of inspirational female professionals who work within our community. This year we have shifted the focus to the ‘Next Gen of Women in STEM’. At GÉANT, we support the professional growth of young professionals through internships and training opportunities. However, we felt there was a deeper understanding required from our community to support the continuous recruitment of young talent.
Like many other organisations, we want to encourage young women to work in STEM fields, and for them to feel comfortable in doing so. To find out more, we interviewed female university students studying a STEM subject to gain a further insight into what we can do as a STEM organisation, and how other places of work can provide support. Interviewing the next generation gave them the opportunity to share their perspective, including the barriers they are having to face at such a young age. We are all responsible for changing this, to pave the way for future female talent to experience equal opportunities as they pursue their career.
During our conversations, we discussed the advice they would like from the older generation of women in STEM, and what workplaces can do to support their career development. Facing prejudice at such a young age can negatively impact self-esteem and could prevent future talent from entering STEM workplaces. It is time for STEM organisations to take accountability and work towards providing a welcoming and safe environment for young women to thrive. How can you, or your organisation, support this?
Keep an eye on our social media in the upcoming months for more interviews.
Don’t forget to visit our careers.geant.org page.
