Debunking Myths: What It's Really Like to Work in STEAM
As the founder of Not Just Girls, Becky Ridler frequently encounters misconceptions about careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). These myths often discourage young women from pursuing opportunities in these fields, preventing them from recognising their potential and passion. Today, Not Just Girls aims to address some of the most prevalent misconceptions and explain why it’s crucial for more women to pursue careers in STEAM.
Myth 1: STEAM Fields Are Male-Dominated and Unwelcoming
One of the most pervasive myths surrounding STEAM careers is that they are exclusive to men. Historically, women have been underrepresented in these fields, but this trend is changing rapidly. Many organisations, including Not Just Girls, are working to create inclusive environments that welcome female talent and celebrate diversity.
Becky regularly emphasises to young women that they are joining an ever-growing community of women who are making meaningful contributions to STEAM fields. By showcasing successful female role models and providing strong, supportive networks, Not Just Girls helps demonstrate that there is a space for women in STEAM and that their contributions are valued.
Through initiatives like mentorship programmes and collaborations with other organisations, Not Just Girls is helping to break down barriers and foster a more welcoming environment for women in these fields. This shift is vital in ensuring that the next generation of women feels empowered to pursue STEAM careers, knowing that they are part of a dynamic and growing community.
Myth 2: STEAM Jobs Are All About Technical Skills
Another widespread misconception is that STEAM jobs are entirely technical and that creativity has little to no place. In fact, creativity is a vital component in many STEAM careers. Whether it’s designing new products, solving complex problems, or developing innovative solutions, creative thinking plays a significant role in achieving success.
Becky has witnessed countless examples of how artistic thinking can enhance the scientific and technological processes. Engineers often rely on creative design principles to develop user-friendly products, while artists bring unique perspectives that can help solve scientific and technological challenges. By fostering both technical and creative skills, Not Just Girls ensures that young women are prepared for a broad range of fulfilling careers in STEAM, where both logic and imagination are needed to push boundaries.
Encouraging young women to explore how art and science intersect can lead to more well-rounded professionals who are equipped to tackle a variety of challenges. The fusion of technical knowledge and creative flair is what drives innovation, making it essential for young women to understand that they can be both technically skilled and creatively empowered in their STEAM careers.
Myth 3: A Degree in STEAM Is the Only Path to Success
Many young women believe that obtaining a degree in a STEAM field is the only way to enter these industries. While higher education can undoubtedly be valuable, it is not the only pathway to success. There are numerous routes into a STEAM career, including vocational training, apprenticeships, and online courses.
Not Just Girls advocates for diverse pathways into STEAM careers. Becky encourages young women to explore all available options and take a personalized approach to their career journeys, considering their interests, strengths, and passions when choosing a path. The flexibility of these options allows students to gain real-world experience and build the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce, without being confined to the traditional university route.
In fact, many successful professionals in STEAM have taken non-traditional paths to get where they are today, proving that passion, perseverance, and determination are just as important as formal qualifications. By raising awareness of the various pathways available, Not Just Girls hopes to inspire young women to pursue STEAM careers in a way that suits their individual needs and ambitions.
Myth 4: Working in STEAM Is Isolated and Boring
Another misconception is that STEAM careers are solitary and monotonous, with people spending endless hours behind computers or in laboratories. In reality, many STEAM roles involve collaboration and teamwork, which are key to driving innovation.
Becky’s own experiences have shown that collaboration is one of the most rewarding and stimulating aspects of working in STEAM. Whether brainstorming ideas with colleagues or working on interdisciplinary projects, teamwork allows for the exchange of ideas, diverse perspectives, and ultimately leads to better solutions. Many of the most exciting breakthroughs in STEAM occur when professionals with different expertise collaborate to solve complex problems together.
Through Not Just Girls, Becky encourages young women to seek out STEAM careers that foster collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. This approach not only makes the work more enjoyable but also contributes to more innovative and impactful outcomes.
Myth 5: STEAM Jobs Are Not Impactful
A common myth is that STEAM careers do not have a direct and tangible impact on society. On the contrary, professionals in these fields are at the forefront of addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, healthcare, and sustainability.
At Not Just Girls, Becky works to highlight how women in STEAM are making a significant difference in the world every day. Whether it’s developing sustainable technologies, creating accessible user experiences, or conducting groundbreaking research, the impact of STEAM professionals is both far-reaching and essential.
By emphasising the societal impact of STEAM careers, Not Just Girls inspires young women to pursue these fields, showing them that their work can contribute to solving real-world problems. This empowerment helps to break down the myth that STEAM careers are merely about technical work, instead focusing on how these fields can lead to positive, tangible changes in society.
Conclusion
Debunking these myths is crucial for encouraging more women to explore careers in STEAM. By fostering an inclusive environment, celebrating creativity, promoting diverse pathways, and highlighting the collaborative and impactful nature of these careers, Not Just Girls aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEAM.
As Becky continues to advocate for girls in STEAM through Not Just Girls, she is committed to challenging these misconceptions and demonstrating that a rewarding and fulfilling career in STEAM is within reach for all women. By breaking down these barriers and misconceptions, Not Just Girls is creating a future where women are not only represented in STEAM but are also leading the way in innovation and positive change.