Women in STEM UK - Q2 - Jun 2019 by Mediaplanet UK&IE

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Helping people and the planet with a career in science Read more about Johnson Matthey’s view » p5

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IN THIS ISSUE RACHEL RILEY: WOMEN IN STEM AMBASSADOR Why we need to re-tell the story of science to the next generation. » p4

8% of women progress to a Level 4+ STEM qualification

STEM GCSE entries are on the rise – representing 43% of the total entries this year, compared to 41% in 2017

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To get more young women interested in science, they need to be aware of the sheer variety of job roles the sector offers — and the exciting careers that await them.

here's still a worrying lack of women in engineering and physics, says Professor Veronica va n Hey n i ngen, C ha i r of t he Diversit y Committee at The Royal Society, the organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in science. “The question is, what can we do about it?” she asks. “How can we attract more girls into science?” Perhaps one way is to demonstrate how exhilarating it can be. For example, Professor van Heyningen is a geneticist who has enjoyed a high-flying career studying eye development and disease. It's a fast-moving field. “I think science is good fun and very exciting,” she says. “I'm supposedly retired, but I can't give it up. I'm still just as interested in it as I ever was.” Science offers a range of career options Young women also need to realise that STEM subjects can open many different doors. Science isn't all test tubes, lab coats and Bunsen burners — although, of course, it can be if that's an area that interests you. But look at the bigger picture and the broader

INTERVIEW WITH: PROFESSOR VERONICA VAN HEYNINGEN Chair of the Diversity Committee, The Royal Society

definition of the term. For example, horticulture is scientific, says Professor van Heyningen. Being an electrician is scientific. So, consider the best route open to you, be it via university or, if available, an apprenticeship. “People in science can go into banking, or sidestep into law, teaching, writing and communication,” she says. “There are some things that can only be done in a lab; but being a bioinformatician or working in artificial intelligence, for instance, can be done more of less anywhere.” She believes we need to talk to primary schools about jobs in science and introduce them to female role models working in the sector. The business case for diversity Getting more women into science isn't just an equality issue. It makes sound business sense, too. Recently, Professor van Heyningen attended a talk by Margaret Heffernan from the School of Management at the University of Bath. “She pointed out that diversity is important within teams. For a team to be successful,

it can't be full of people who are all brilliant at the same thing.” Barriers to women in STEM are being broken down Thankfully, says Professor van Heyningen, the barriers that women face are slowly being broken down, with many companies and organisations making an effort to support women — and men — who are juggling careers with families or other caring duties. For anyone thinking of a science career, Professor van Heyningen advises keeping studies as broad as possible before focusing on a specialist area. “That's because people increasingly work in groups that need many different skillsets,” she says. “So stay broad, stay interested.” Written by: Tony Greenway Read more at womeninstem.co.uk

Why we need to re-tell the story of science to the next generation A television presenter on Countdown and spin-off series, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Rachel Riley may not be your average mathematician. But she’s determined to re-establish the norm for STEM occupations, particularly for young women.

hether from a visible lack of female role models, or simply mum saying, ‘I don’t have a maths brain,’ from an early age, children are fed stories that influence their self-expectation. For Rachel Riley, it’s time to re-write these expectations for the next generation of mathematicians and scientists. “Increasing girls’ participation in STEM (science, technolog y, eng ineer ing and mat hematics) is about improving confidence and changing perceptions. There are many different ways to help realign mindset, but the best is seeing women in these STEM roles. They aren’t some weirdo in a white jacket and you don’t have to be Einstein!” says Rachel. Improving confidence in young girls Growing up, Rachel quickly realised the importance of positive reinforcement to avoid disengagement from education, especially with science and maths. “I was lucky, in a way, as I got early praise, but some kids don’t get it quite as quickly, or they are labelled ‘not as good’ and this has a damaging effect,” says Rachel.

After achieving four A-grades in college, Rachel studied a range of pure and applied mathematical concepts at Oxford University from quantum computing through to mathematical biology (not least because there was ‘no dissertation and no lab coats’). “It all sounds terrifying if you haven’t done it – new experiences can be – but maths is a ladder. Don’t be intimidated, just build on your understanding,” says Rachel. Avoiding the stereotypes Studies show girls as young as six can be influenced by stereotypes, identifying ‘brilliance as a male trait’1. The damaging effect these internalised cultural messages could have on the academic paths of young girls requires addressing, according to Rachel. “The lack of female role models is a result of not being allowed to do these things for centuries – not because we aren’t as good! Now, it’s a social thing and about breaking down those barriers,” says Rachel. Young girls are often given an outdated image of scientists and mathematicians, from their clothes through to personality traits. Rachel laments how

INTERVIEW WITH: RACHEL RILEY Women in STEM Ambassador

often her television producers ask her to ‘put on a lab coat and stand in front of a bunch of equations’. “I refuse because it should just be me in jeans and a jumper – that’s what mathematicians look like,” says Rachel. Another misconception of the value of maths and science education is that they aren’t creative subjects. However, for Rachel, “There is nothing more creative than the thought of finding answers for questions that haven’t even been thought of.” Re-writing girls’ expectations and breaking through the psychological and social barriers for participation requires both industry action and self-belief. The new message is clear: “It’s not a boy or a girl thing. If you enjoy it, apply yourself and go do it. You can achieve incredible things.” Written by: Alex van den Broek Read more at womeninstem.co.uk

1: theguardian.com/education/2017/jan/26/girls-believe-brilliance-is-a-male-trait-research-into-gender-stereotypes-shows

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Helping people and the planet with a career in science Some of the world’s greatest challenges will be overcome by scientists, says Jo Godden from Johnson Matthey. Choosing a career in science may be more empowering than you realise. Interview piece JO GODDEN Group Commercial Excellence Director

TORI PAULL Commercial Graduate

KATIE ATKINS Science Graduate

What has been your career path since graduating? After studying Chemical Engineering at University with an industrial placement in France, I’ve worked for a leading chemicals company providing technical solutions at customer sites around the world. Early in my career, in a manufacturing role, I led a – mostly male – team of 30; and then ploughed a route in sales and marketing to develop new business opportunities across Asia and South America. I’ve progressed in Johnson Matthey to lead a global business, as Managing Director and now lead a company wide transformation programme. I really enjoy being part of an empowered culture that pushes you to grow, create opportunities, take leadership positions, develop a team and take pride in your work. I’ve a l w ay s fo c u s e d o n fi nding solutions and making an impact in the real world.

You have a degree in Chemistry, so why have you chosen a role outside of the labs? Having spent six months in Belgium on an industrial placement, I discovered that the lab environment isn’t for me. Everyone has a different skill set. In my instance, I enjoyed learning about science but not the research itself. My scientific background has taught me an unbelievable amount that extends beyond the lab and will be a benefit to any role I undertake during the graduate scheme and beyond. I’m using my creativity more than I ever did and I’ve taken the knowledge from my degree in a whole new direction.

How did you come to choose science as a career and what attracted you to it? At school, I was always good at science. I was also surrounded by positive female influences and female science teachers, so I always felt it was an option. I found ‘Material Science and Engineering’ by accident at a university open day, and it just clicked. I liked working out how things are made and designing things in different ways. Now I use science for sustainability, to help people and the planet.

Why is it important to encourage women into STEM careers? Having diversity and bringing people with different types of thinking together, really adds value with innovation and creativity. The diversity of a team can really drive the opportunity to deliver great results. Is it a challenge to be a woman in science? Within all the roles I’ve had in my career, I’ve not felt that being a woman has had a negative impact. It can be advantageous in being different, building relationships and creating business opportunities. Would you recommend a career in science? Cleaner cities, cleaner mobility, climate change, health and wellbeing, recycling, plastics – these are big issues. Science plays a key role in protecting the planet in the future. To have a career opportunity to make a difference in that space is really inspiring. This is why we attract some really high-calibre graduates, both male and female. MEDIAPLANET

I want to continue challenging myself and I want to make the world better. I have the option to explore different avenues and I don’t even know if there is a role that suits me just yet – I may have to make my own!” How is your degree useful in your role? Despite not working in research, my scientific understanding comes into play on a daily basis. It helps me in discussions with people across the business and informs the written work I produce, be that content for the website or detailed descriptions of our technology. You can take your love and understanding of science whichever way works for you. What are your career aspirations? I’ve always wanted to make a really positive impact and I considered medicine in the past. But many roles in scientific companies indirectly save millions of lives – through cutting emissions, developing technologies for fuel cells or batteries to enable future transport or drug development – so here, I am doing good. I want to continue challenging myself and I want to make the world better. I have the option to explore different avenues and I don’t even know if there is a role that suits me just yet – I may have to make my own!

What advice would you give to someone embarking on a career? Don’t pigeon-hole yourself too quickly with a niche discipline. There are loads of scientific degrees that keep your career options open. Also, don’t just focus on scientific skills; develop good presentation skills, report writing skills and people skills to improve your employability. What do you enjoy most about your role? I’m quite hands-on, so laboratory work definitely suits me. I work in process development so, effectively, we scale up stuff from our laboratory all the way into production. For me, being able to do initial research and seeing it through to manufacturing is incredibly rewarding. Would you recommend a career in science? Absolutely. The options are limitless, so rewarding and constantly changing. The option to learn across disciplines is fantastic.

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Women engineers offer a new perspective Just over 100 years ago, women engineers were welcomed into factories, so why do they still only make up around 12% of the engineering workforce?

n 1919, the founders of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) explained that women could be engineers but, 100 years later, we’re still talking about how women ‘should’ be engineers, says Elizabeth Donnelly, Chief Executive Officer of WES. “The percentage of women in the engineering workforce is barely into double figures at just over 12%.” Education for the 21st century The solution, she believes, lies in a profound change of mindset from all sectors of society, starting with education. “The current EBacc curriculum in schools is still resolutely linked to the one created by Robert Morant in 1904,” explains Donnelly. “Why are we educating our children in the same way we were over 100 years ago when their world is so dramatically different? With a focus on exams and no coursework, it does little to prepare girls or boys for the workplace. Engineering is all about collaboration and teamwork; no one works alone or relies solely on memory.” Employers in schools To make careers advice more relevant, employers and those in the industry should be the primary advisers. “When employers go into schools, two things happen,” says Donnelly. “First, expectations about potential careers are changed and girls and boys are suddenly presented with possibilities they didn’t know existed. Secondly, when employers talk to young people, particularly young women, they are blown away by their talents, education, ability and spark. It’s important that employers realise young people are not an

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ELIZABETH DONNELLY CEO, Women’s Engineering Society (WES)

amorphous mass but are creative, interested and interesting.”

a woman’s hours work for her, then she will stay in the job and repay the investment in her training many times over.”

The apprenticeship alternative Only 7% of women in engineering are apprentices. “WES is highlighting the apprenticeship route this year with its Top 50 Women in Engineering Awards (WE50) aimed at current and former apprentices,” says Donnelly. “We want to show that some women who have been through apprenticeships are now running companies or working at a senior level within engineering. “I’m pleased the government has introduced the Apprenticeship Levy for companies who take on apprentices. In some companies, an advanced apprenticeship will allow you to get your degree without debt while you’re paid and getting hands-on experience.” Flexibility and support WES supports women and girls t h roughout t hei r eng i neer i ng careers and Donnelly notes that many women leave their engineering careers because of inflexibility from employers when they need it most. “Women are more likely to have caring responsibilities of all different kinds and, if an employer can be flexible so that

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“With a little bit of support, you can do anything” With the right support and development, men and women can thrive in STEM careers in the military, says Air Marshal Sue Gray, the highest-ranking woman in the British Armed Forces. Q: What can be done to attract more young women into STEM? Many young women are unaware of the range of career opportunities STEM offers, not just in the RAF, but generally. We need to make them, their teachers and their parents realise what's available. Also, young people need consistent, accurate careers advice about what they can do with their qualifications, because STEM isn't just about being an engineer with your sleeves rolled up and dirty hands.

Q: You're an engineer; what have been your proudest achievements? Well, for example, having sole responsibility for signing off remotely piloted air vehicles to fly. Also, being deployed overseas in the First and Second Gulf Wars and watching the development of less experienced, but very talented, servicemen and women.

INTERVIEW WITH: SUE GRAY CB OBE MSC CENG FRENG, RAF Air Marshal, RAF

Q: What attracted you to a career in STEM? T he n ove lt y of d oi n g s om e t h i n g d i f fe r e nt . Unfortunately, women are still something of a 'novelty' in STEM — or a minority at least. In engineering, I see young women who are engaged in STEM activity, but not necessarily thinking of it as a career. That's partly a cultural attitude because, traditionally, engineering is not what women 'do'.

Q: Does your position as the highestranking woman in the Armed Forces change perceptions about military careers for women? I've been told it does — and it was one of my considerations when taking this job. I'm starting to see female engineers coming back into the forces after having families. Impetus is building. The Armed Forces is brilliant at nurturing talent, regardless of gender. Anything is possible in the Air Force if you have the right skillsets to do it; or if you have a talent which needs

developing. We still don't have large numbers of women in senior roles, but that's slowly being addressed. So, we are getting there, but have a way to go.

Q: What would your advice be to any young woman considering a career in STEM? Do it, if STEM is what you enjoy. If you want to change your mind down the line, you can, but you might hit upon the one thing that changes your life right away. With a little bit of support, you can do anything. Written by: Tony Greenway

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Why we need the energy and utilities sector – and you – to save the planet

The way we make, use and distribute energy, water and waste is transforming how we live, work and play in the UK. Energy and utilities companies are evolving to meet this need, fuelling a requirement to attract a broader range of skills to deliver success. The challenge: To ensure we tap into all available and potential talent – including you! Meeting that need: Talent Source Network is a collaboration of 26 leading employers in energy and utilities, working hard to dispel the myths that engineering is just for men. They aim to inspire ambitious people, from diverse backgrounds, to pursue a career in the sector by showcasing success and promoting the breadth of opportunities. I strongly believe that attracting, supporting and retaining a diverse workforce and being an organisation that is truly inclusive for all is essential for us to achieve the ambitious goals we have set ourselves for the next few years.” - Heidi Mottram, Chief Executive, Northumbrian Water Whether your interest is in renewables, manufacturing, waste management (recycling) or information and communications, there are opportunities to work in an

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area that meets your ambitions. From engineering roles that invent and test green technologies, technical roles that deploy new energy sources, to the maths jobs that require algorithm experts, there is always a new type of talent needed in the sector. My interest in engineering started in sixth form. I hope that, by working in the industry and sharing my story, I can inspire others from differing backgrounds to consider taking STEM subjects and pursuing a career in an exciting, evolving sector.” - Sarah Marsden, Project Engineer, Northern Powergrid Talent Source Network employers work together to promote STEM subjects in schools, particularly to young women. They actively participate in initiatives such Primary Engineer and Secondary Engineer, which aim to change the way skills are taught and nurtured in schools. STEM careers suit all personalities From vocational apprenticeships, graduate schemes to

opportunities for experienced, skilled professionals with transferable skills. Engineering apprenticeships in the energy and utilities sector have great starting salaries, training and mentoring and opportunities for career progression. Entry criteria ranges from 5 GCSEs to 2 A-levels/BTEC Level 3 for higher and degree apprenticeships. Once qualified, employers want women to achieve their full potential as engineers, applied scientists or leaders. This means providing roles for women returning to work after having children – plus flexibility and progression opportunities to combine work with parenting.

To find out more, visit the Talent Source Network online platform, providing high-quality career opportunities and showcasing success. Read more at talentsourcenetwork.co.uk/your-career/ women-engineering

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Women returners are good for business and society JULIANNE MILES CEO, Women Returners

In the last few years, pioneering STEM employers have woken up to an untapped source of female talent – the neglected pool of experienced professionals who have taken a long career break.

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STEM women are invisible in the media – it’s time to change INTERVIEW WITH: DR ANNE-MARIE IMAFIDON Co-founder, Stemettes

hese are the women who trained as engineers, scientists and software developers, and worked for five to 15 years before stepping off the career ladder. There are various reasons for career breaks, mainly childcare or eldercare but also health and relocation. What unites this group are the huge challenges they face if they want to resume their careers. Highly-trained individuals face rejection after taking career breaks Returners face a wave of bias when they apply for professional jobs. Candidates without recent experience are seen as ‘risky hires’ and mothers who took a break for childcare can be stereotyped as unambitious and less committed. As a result, returners rarely make it through a traditional recruitment screen. Highly-qualified STEM women with multi-year breaks often apply for hundreds of jobs without even getting interviews. Persistent rejection undermines already-fragile professional self-confidence, and leads many returners to take jobs far below their skills level or to retrain into other fields. Companies must support women back into work In 2015, Tideway was the first STEM employer to target returning professionals through a ‘returnship’, which provides a supportive bridge back to work. Seven women returners joined the construction project on a three-month, fi xed-term contract, working in professional roles while receiving coaching and mentoring support. Subsequently, 90% accepted ongoing jobs. Four years on, the returner programme market has grown rapidly within the UK construction, engineering and tech sectors, becoming a part of annual recruitment for a range of leading employers such as O2, Amazon Web Services, Balfour Beatty, Mott MacDonald and AECOM. Read more at womeninstem.co.uk

The fields of science and technology are constantly evolving, and while there has been a great recruitment drive for women in the field, it seems that mainstream media hasn’t quite caught up yet.

EO and Co-Founder of Stemettes, Anne-Marie Imafidon, started out in the industry working in a technical role. Despite the lack of female colleagues, she was well treated and well supported, and it was only after attending a women in STEM conference that she realised some of the difficulties females in the industry were experiencing. Fortunately, the industry has changed since then. That same conference has now more than quadroupled its attendees as the STEM environment starts to put the recruitment of women at its core. Still, it’s not enough for Anne-Marie. Why soaps need to show women in STEM roles She says: “What I would love, is to turn on Coronation Street and see a scene that focused on a woman in a lab or a more technical role like engineering. We’ve done really well at starting the conversation with things like the new Gillette ad but it’s not enough. STEM women are invisible in the mainstream media.” Women don’t necessarily leave work to have children For Anne-Marie, it’s not just within recruitment that there is a problem, but also at rentention and academic levels. “Most of it is about funding,” she says. “The typical venture capitalists and angel investors are still worried that women will give everything up for a family life. Actually, this is a bit of a red herring. Women don’t stop work because of a family, they give

up because they don’t get the same career progression or responsibilities.” Parents – try to normalise women and girls in STEM When it comes to normalising the issue, Anne-Marie has advice for parents. She says: “Stop taking LEGO off girls or expressing surprise at experts who are women on the news. If we verbalise stereotypes then our children repeat them and it’s a form of conditioning. It’s not the schools’ fault; these messages are in everything from toys to books. We just need to be conscious about what we are reinforcing.” There are, however, initiaves to help young girls from as young as five to get involved in science- and technology-based subjects and Anne-Marie suggests seeking them out. “Young women are great at problem-solving,” she says. “They want to help find resolutions, which is why subjects such as medicine, biology and veterinary science don’t have the same problems recruiting women.” As STEM evolves, the hope is it will become as extra-curricular as gymnastics and ballet. Anne-Marie agrees: “As technology evolves, parents will need to re-train and getting involved with their children now is just the first step.” Written by: Gina Clarke Read more at womeninstem.co.uk

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Take a different view on STEM subjects In 2018, for the fifth year running, women were more likely to go to university than men. Encouraging women to study STEM subjects has been a priority for years, so finally, is this a sign of success?

nfortunately not... but that isn’t the whole story. Although in most subjects, women across the UK continue to be more likely to enter higher education, with 38.3% of 18 year olds starting a course compared to 28% of young men, it isn’t reflected across STEM subjects. The diversity of courses that fit within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines is also representative of who is applying for them. An entire sector of professionals have been behind national campaigns to encourage women to study STEM subjects, but there is still a distinct gender split – with young women being drawn to the science-based subjects such as dentistry, nursing, biology, psychology, and medicine, and men to courses within the technology, engineering and mathematics fields. In fact, by the January application deadline for undergraduate courses starting this September, young women

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were roughly seven times as likely to apply for courses in both veterinary sciences and education and learning. Men were around four times as likely to apply to courses in both computing, and engineering and technology. Understanding where all STEM subjects can take you It’s all about changing attitudes – there are no barriers to women studying those subjects that are currently the domain of men – it’s just about taking a different view. UCAS’ subject guides are a great starting point for research, with inspiration on where subjects can take you. Get out there and speak to current students and recent graduates at open days – or even women already working in the field. They will open your eyes to the diversity of the opportunities the technology-, engineering- and mathematics-based subjects can bring.

ALICE BENNETT Principal Data Consultant, UCAS A personal journey It’s a step I took in 2011, when I applied for a course in Maths and Econonics. Data science is dominated by men. When I started studying, 46% more men than women were accepted onto maths courses – but for me, and my female colleagues, that’s where the opportunity was. It was a great chance to use the skills I had and gain a qualification that would allow me to apply them to a career that can and could take me anywhere. So, for female students considering their next steps, now is the perfect chance to start thinking differently. Buck the trend and consider applying for subjects that are still – traditionally – the domain of male students. And then enjoy the challenge that brings. Read more at ucas.com/ucas/subject-guide-list MEDIAPLANET

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How the world of STEM is attracting females When Karen Mason started her career as an apprentice in the 1980s, she was just one of five girls among 144 men. Today, STEM still struggles to recruit enough females, but steps are being made to redress the balance.

TEM products are changing – from the personal computer to the 3D printer – and it is women who are benefitting from these new opportunities. Karen Mason is the Principal Design Verification and Certification Engineer at MBDA. As common within the engineering industry, Karen has worked In a team where there are more men than women for years, but it rarely phased her. “I have always been proud of my contribution,” she says. “But I used to make sure that if I was meeting someone outside of the team, then they knew my name was Karen from the start and not just ‘K Mason’. I wanted them to know that they were dealing with a woman, because that was a rarity in those days.” The changing workplace For Karen, it has always been her work ethic that has been rewarded, regardless of her gender. She says: “Some of my proudest achievements have happened in male-dominated teams. Within our field, it didn’t matter who we were, just what we did. And I think younger girls are starting to realise that.” Good at puzzles from a young age, Karen knew she wanted to solve problems within the workplace something she believes is innate in all young children, if given a chance. “If you leave a child in a room, they will happily play with a jigsaw, building blocks and even a computer game. It’s when society gets involved that girls have to play with particular stereotypes that we lose our curiosity. And that is ultimately what drives us to STEM-based roles – curiosity.”

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INTERVIEW WITH: KAREN MASON Principal Design Verification and Certification Engineer, MBDA

It is the advances in technology that Karen believes is drawing women back to STEM environments. “The world has become a smaller place,” she says. “We have opportunities to work remotely or from a variety of offices, and that style of working is attractive to women.” Family commitments were traditionally an issue One of the biggest changes in the STEM environment comes from family-based legislation, such as maternity and paternity rights alongside flexible working, something that was vastly different for Karen. “A lot of women I knew simply didn’t return to work after having a baby,” she says. “I had to make it work by working shifts with my husband. Now, I’m delighted to see men taking their deserved time off to be with their family. The environment is much more family friendly than it ever was.” Yet, Karen thinks there is still work to be done. She says: “While working on the job as apprentices is attractive to young girls who had the same problem-solving attitude as me, as an industry, we are potentially missing out on a wide range of older women in their late 20s and 30s who want to enter the industry but have commitments. I think we need to work out a way of including them in the STEM environment.” Changing perceptions around entry routes Now, Karen is keen to get young people understanding the different pathways to enter STEM environments.

She says: “Hearing that you need good results in maths and science to enter this industry is scary for even the most advanced students. We need to be more vocal of the other routes available, such as apprenticeships and training. Plenty of my colleagues do not have academic backgrounds, and that is absolutely fine.” For Karen, what’s the one thing that is making a difference in getting more females recruited in to STEM roles? “It’s us older girls going out there and telling it like it is,” she says. “The most important thing is to tell everyone – male and female – that if they want a role in engineering or science, then they can have it. Yes, I’ve felt intimidated walking in to a room full of men, but at the end of a successful project the only feeling I’ve had is not whether I’m a woman or a man, but that I’m an engineer.” Written by: Gina Clarke

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Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating #RoleModelsMatter Those who invent the future, shape the future. But who exactly is creating this future? Women remain dramatically underrepresented across all STEM studies and careers, making up only 22% of the core STEM workforce. So, how do we get women more involved in shaping our future?

he problem begins well before a woman begins working life. Studies have shown 65% of the UK’s mixed secondary schools have no girls studying Computing at A Level and many have NO girls studying ANY STEM subjects at sixth form at all. Much of this lies firmly at the door of gender bias – with teachers also being affected. A recent Centrica survey on teacher and pupil STEM perception found nearly a third of male and 16% of female teachers believe STEM careers are more suited to boys than girls . Leading by example Female role models can change this. I believe the biggest driver of more woman entering STEM is having female role models to aspire to. Examples of women in our sector sharing their stories is a way to draw

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JACQUELINE DE ROJAS CBE President, techUK

women’s interest in it – a way of inspiring and encouraging women to consider STEM options at all levels.

have been able to use this platform to shine a light on this issue and the importance of diversity.

Developing a dialogue Role models matter when it comes to providing mentorship and discussing shared experiences to promote STEM in underrepresented groups. Diverse role models create a dialogue allowing other colleagues to understand others’ experiences in the workplace and the challenges they face. Having a positive female role model can be an incredible opportunity for inspiration and confidence, often making it easier to pursue a new career path. Female students will be more likely to join STEM education and professions if they can see people like them in these roles. In my role as techUK’s president, I

Stepping up Everyone working in tech – man or woman – is a role model whether they choose to be or not. The real question is whether you choose to be a bystander or a participant. Getting involved means that it is not just up to women to make a difference – it is up to all of us. #Sisterhood #Manbassadors HEADSHOT PROVIDED BY techUK © GETTY IMAGES, GARETH CATERMOLE

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You don’t have to do tech to be in tech Not every career path is straight: after 20 years in the media and marketing industry, a ‘pot-luck’ opportunity put Caroline at the start of a new career path; one that has helped her grow and empower and inspire other women.

don’t believe anyone has a straightforward path in to the tech industry, mine certainly wasn’t. My education in the 1970s and 1980s was very traditional. Science subjects were limited to the classroom, with very little context given to the effect technology (i.e. the launch of mobile telecommunications) was having on society at the time. I remember very clearly, as a girl, we were encouraged towards the humanities and the arts; boys were pushed towards the sciences. Tech and childhood Fast forward to 2019 and childhood has changed. Children are exposed to, and engage with, technology from a very early age, so we need to teach them about its impact as early as possible. I think we underestimate children and their ability to understand technology. My six-year-old is currently learning to code (not encouraged by me, honest!). In her ICT class she is working on an app for collecting pocket money from chores! My career after school I, however, did end up going down the creative route of studying ‘Art and Design’ at Uni. It was very oldMEDIAPLANET

school, we used drawing boards, printing presses, there was no CAD (Computer Aided Design) until the year after I left university. I spent 20 years in the media and marketing industry in different roles and different companies, but it was at CSquared where I got the chance to immerse myself in the tech industry. I met and worked with many tech companies, who at that time, were beginning to disrupt the digital media landscape. It was awe-inspiring watching how media, creativity and innovation were blending. Media tech was one of the fastest growing industries in the 2000s. I was one of the lucky ones; I had a front row seat watching and working with companies who were trailblazing ideas that ultimately changed the future of advertising. I wanted the ‘techy’ client! I left CSquared in 2015 to fi nd a role that would work around my young daughters’ schooling. I applied for a Digital Mums Social Media Management course, and it was this course that led me to SheCanCode. We were all allocated a live client to work with and while others were hoping for a fashion, beauty and consumer client to work with, and dreading getting the ‘techy’ one, I

CAROLINE HOLMES Head Girl, SheCanCode

was hoping the exact opposite! As luck would have it, in 2016, I started working for SheCanCode as a Social Media Manager. Three years on, and I am now Head Girl at SheCanCode. We continue to spend our days inspiring, supporting and empowering more women to enter, return or remain in careers in tech. I am highly driven and passionate about ensuring that the workforce of today is representative of our society at large. We work with companies of all size and shape, to help them market effectively to our community, whether that be through content, events or jobs, so that they too can attract more women. I have spoken to many companies who pledged to improve diversity and have introduced new initiatives to do so. Limited progress has been made, but we are moving in the right direction.

Read more at womeninstem.co.uk WOMENINSTEM.CO.UK 13

The race and gender narrative within STEM Your Future, Your Ambition (YFYA) is a STEM initiative that seeks to educate, inspire and encourage the next generation of UK STEM talent into industry.

n 2018, women made up only 24% of the STEM workforce in the UK. With only one in four being female, clearly more work needs to be done to redress this imbalance, which is actively being pushed in the UK. However, the reflection of women from diverse backgrounds within the STEM industry is even more underrepresented throughout the industry. This is specifically the case for women from Black, African and Caribbean backgrounds. In 15 years of working in tech across England and Europe, I have often found that the emphasis of discussions within companies, working groups and among individual peers are seeking to redress the gender imbalance in STEM, however the female narrative as it pertains to race is often only loosely touched upon. Race and gender taboos From my experience, far too often, when it comes to discussing the issue of race in the workplace, many still feel that the conversation is uncomfortable or a

RASHADA HARRY Founder, Your Future, Your Ambition (YFYA)

taboo subject. Occasionally, some feel that by raising the issue they may be judged or subjected to assumptions and fear of potential career hindrance. Similarly, some people from non-diverse backgrounds have said that they do not feel qualified to speak on the lived experiences of others, or that saying something may cause them serious repercussions should offence occur. Open and collaborative dialogue I bring this up not to stop colleagues from ‘non-diverse’ backgrounds opening up a dialogue about race, but quite the opposite in fact. By working backwards from any potential fears of being labelled ‘racist’, ‘offensive’ or ‘misunderstood’ and holding honest and constructive conversations, we will be led to a position of awareness and understanding. Across teams, companies and the industry, we can and should embrace the different lived experiences and challenges faced by those in the minority and, in particular, from ethnic minorities who hold positions within the STEM industry.

YFYA volunteers committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM talent 14 WOMENINSTEM.CO.UK

There is also a responsibility on individuals from ethnic backgrounds to not only stand as role models for the next generation, but to also educate and communicate their experiences to those from other backgrounds in a way that is safe, free from bias or judgement or assumptions. By working together in this way, we will be able to remove the perceived taboos and begin to redress the imbalance for the greater good of the industry. I believe this will foster greater understanding and appreciation of the experiences of woman from ethnic minority backgrounds working in STEM. In turn, this will break down misconceptions and bias and foster the drive of talent to the industry, diversity of thought across all echelons and undoubtedly innovation within STEM. Next generation STEM The next generation of female STEM students is seeking role models that they can identify with and organisations that reflect the global communities they seek to serve. The onus is on today’s individual to open the doors of opportunity to a range of candidates from a range of backgrounds and to educate, inspire and encourage the next generation and demonstrate to them that STEM is indeed an industry for everyone.

Your Future, Your Ambition aims to inspire young people (ages 7 to 23 years) across all diversity streams into STEM-based careers. YFYA provides groups with access to blue chip organisations through workshops and exposure to develop key tools STEM companies are looking for, creating a strong link between education and industry. Rashada is a diversity advocate who, over the last 15 years, has worked in the technology industry. She has recently been recognised as one of the Top 100 Ethnic Minority Executives in the UK (EMpower 2019). In 2018, Your Future Your Ambition was awarded a Point of Light award by the UK Prime Minister. Your Future, Your Ambition returns to the Emirates Stadium on the 10th October 2019, to register your free place, to find out more visit: yfya.co.uk/register MEDIAPLANET

Women in

STEM

The Women in STEM campaign launched to motivate women into STEM university courses, increase diverse talent in the industry and highlight the importance of equipping the next generation if we are to close the gender gap. Special thanks to

The Women in STEM initiative launched in New Scientist on the 22nd June and online at www.womeninstem.co.uk To find out more about how you can get involved in the 2020 edition, please get in touch with ciara.barker@mediaplanet.com ÂŠ GETTYIMAGES: LANZARAN

Progressive employers opening doors in STEM There’s a STEM career for everyone; it’s not about gender. With organisations becoming more people focused, it’s a great time to explore a career in engineering.

INTERVIEW WITH: JULIE GASKIN Staff Information Developer

hoosing a career is scar y. How are you supposed to know what you want to do for the next 50 or 60 years? How do you even start narrowing it down to a single job? Well, the good news is: you don't have to. Chances are you're going to have multiple careers in multiple industries. But let's think about the immediate future - you're interested in a technical field and you want to keep your options open. Maybe you're at your creative best when you're trying new things. Do careers like that exist? More good news: yes. You just have to fi nd the right company. The early years of a career Meet Diana Bite; she's 23. During her undergraduate degree in Computer Science, she spent a sandwich year as an intern at Arm. It seemed like the perfect way to learn more about the company and its graduate programme before committing to a full-time role. She liked what she saw and so applied. Fast-forward a couple of years and Diana's a Graduate Software Engineer and is half way through her rotation at Arm. So far, so good. “The best thing about this placement is that they rotate graduate learning every three months,” she says. “I can learn about completely different things. First, I started in a small machinery project, then I worked on graphics performance and games development. I can’t wait to see what I’ll be doing next.” For Diana, the variety a graduate programme offers has been ideal. She still doesn't know exactly what she wants to do next, but trying different roles is helping her to find what she enjoys most. “I know that by the end of the two-year graduate programme, I will know which direction I want to take. Already, I have learned new things, which is MEDIAPLANET

Sponsored by

Personally, I am so proud that I was able to be part of a team that all worked together from around the world to make something happen and with great results.” very motivating. People here want to come to work and be part of a team. I’ve even learned about flexible working, which I did not realise was possible before.” STEM offers a breadth of opportunities Julie Gaskin has worked as a technical writer for almost 20 years. For Julie, a working environment is just as important as the work she's doing. That's why a company that encourages people to develop themselves (for Julie that's growing her leadership abilities) and the opportunity to work flexibly (life doesn't stop between nine and five, after all) appeals to her. When she was looking for her next opportunity a year ago, Arm ticked all the boxes. Today she's a Staff Information Developer at Arm. During her four years at the company, Julie has worked with various teams as part of its content creation department. Her proudest achievement (so far) was helping to launch a new product at the Games Developer Conference in San Francisco, US. “When I graduated with an electronics degree, I had no idea that this sort of job existed,” she says. “But the need for technical knowledge, combined with hands-on writing, has grown with the industry. Now there is a huge need for content creation within STEM, from instruction manuals to helping marketing with new product launches. “Personally, I am so proud that I was able to be part of a team that all worked together from around the world to make something happen and with great results.”

INTERVIEW WITH: DIANA BITE Graduate Software Engineer Career progression even with home-life commitments This ability to collaborate with colleagues in different offices and time zones is something Julie thinks Arm excels at. “The culture here is a breath of fresh air,” she says. “If someone needs to pick the kids up early or come in late so they are guaranteed a seat on a train, there are no questions. Our managers are happy as long as the work is done, which means there are a lot more career progression opportunities here, certainly compared to other companies I’ve worked for.” This autonomous style of working is part of why more women are gravitating towards STEM. Greater variety and greater flexibility make for a more lifefriendly industry. And, as Julie highlights, if a candidate has the technical know-how, companies like Arm will welcome them. Written by: Gina Clarke Arm as a global technology company creates intellectual property, whether it’s a silicon chip or a processor unit, writing the software for our partners to use in their products. 70% of the world’s population uses Arm technology. By 2035 we’re expecting there to be one trillion Arm powered devices – do you want to join the fifth wave of computing?

Read more at arm.com/careers @LifeAtArm #LifeAtArm #WeAreArm WOMENINSTEM.CO.UK 16