From Classroom to Career: Transitioning Girls into STEAM Industries
From Classroom to Career: Transitioning Girls into STEAM Industries
At Not Just Girls, we are committed to ensuring that girls are adequately prepared for successful careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) industries. The transition from the classroom to a career can be intimidating, especially for young women, who often face unique challenges and barriers. Today, Not Just Girls explores how educational institutions can better prepare girls for STEAM careers and help them navigate this critical transition.
Understanding the Current Landscape
The gender gap in STEAM fields remains a pressing concern. Women make up about half of the workforce but hold only around 28% of science and engineering jobs. This disparity highlights the need for educational institutions to implement strategies that support and inspire girls to pursue careers in these fields. The lack of female representation in STEAM industries also contributes to the perception that these fields are male-dominated, which can discourage young women from considering them as viable career paths.
Many girls encounter societal stereotypes and biases that can undermine their self-confidence and interest in STEAM subjects. For example, young women may be discouraged from pursuing math or science due to societal beliefs that these are "masculine" subjects. These influences often cause young women to question their abilities and deter them from pursuing careers in these vital industries. However, educational institutions can actively counteract these negative forces by fostering an environment that values diversity, promotes curiosity, and nurtures self-assurance. By challenging stereotypes, schools and universities can cultivate a culture where all students feel empowered to pursue their passions, including those in STEAM.
Integrating STEAM into the Curriculum
One of the most effective ways to prepare girls for STEAM careers is to integrate STEAM concepts into the curriculum early on. This requires educational institutions to think beyond traditional subject boundaries and incorporate interdisciplinary lessons that highlight the connections between subjects. For instance, combining art and technology in a project or exploring the science behind engineering principles can show students how STEAM subjects work together in the real world.
For example, a project could involve designing a sustainable product, where students learn about the science of materials, the technology behind the manufacturing process, and the artistic aspects of designing a product that appeals to consumers. When students see how these fields overlap, it helps them understand the broader relevance and potential impact of STEAM fields.
At Not Just Girls, we strongly advocate for hands-on, project-based learning that actively engages students with STEAM concepts. Such approaches not only make learning more engaging but also show students the practical applications of what they are learning. For instance, having students build prototypes or engage in research projects gives them tangible experience and boosts their problem-solving abilities. These real-world applications allow girls to engage with the subject matter in a way that builds confidence and fuels their passion for STEAM. By encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, we can ignite a passion for STEAM in young girls, helping them see the relevance and potential impact of these fields in their everyday lives.
Providing Mentorship and Role Models
Mentorship plays a vital role in guiding young women as they transition from the classroom to the workplace. Educational institutions should actively seek to connect students with female mentors who have firsthand experience in various STEAM careers. These mentors are uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights, offer guidance, and help young women navigate the challenges they may face as they embark on their own professional journeys.
Having a mentor who is a woman working in a STEAM field can be particularly powerful, as it allows students to see someone who looks like them succeeding in an industry where they may feel underrepresented. These mentors can share their stories, highlight the paths they took, and offer practical advice on how to overcome obstacles. Importantly, mentors also help demystify the career journey and make the path to success seem more achievable.
At Not Just Girls, we prioritise mentorship programmes that connect young girls with women working in STEAM fields. By offering access to role models who have successfully forged careers in these industries, we empower girls to envision themselves in similar roles and understand the pathways they can take to achieve their professional goals. These mentors can guide students on everything from choosing the right course to tackling workplace challenges, helping young women feel prepared for the future. Seeing women who have already made a mark in STEAM can help to break down mental barriers and provide the inspiration and motivation needed to succeed.
Encouraging Internships and Real-World Experiences
One of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between education and career is through internships and real-world experiences. These opportunities allow girls to gain practical, hands-on skills, build professional networks, and explore different STEAM careers in action. Internships and work placements provide students with a chance to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world context, enabling them to develop skills that go beyond academic knowledge.
Moreover, internships provide an invaluable opportunity for students to learn about the day-to-day realities of a job. Whether it’s working in a laboratory, contributing to a research project, or assisting with product development, real-world experiences offer insights into what it’s really like to work in a STEAM field. This exposure helps students refine their interests and decide whether a particular field or career path is the right fit for them.
Becky encourages schools to partner with local businesses, organisations, and universities to create internship programmes that provide girls with exposure to various STEAM sectors. Internships allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges, giving them a clearer understanding of their interests and the skills needed to thrive in their chosen field. These experiences also provide invaluable networking opportunities, which can lead to further career prospects. Additionally, internships give students a sense of ownership and responsibility, which boosts their confidence and prepares them for the demands of the workforce.
Fostering a Supportive Environment
To encourage girls to pursue careers in STEAM, educational institutions must create a supportive and inclusive environment. This includes actively challenging stereotypes and biases that might discourage girls from engaging with STEAM subjects in the first place. When girls feel that they are accepted and valued in these fields, they are more likely to stay engaged and succeed in their studies.
A supportive environment also requires promoting a growth mindset, which is the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and perseverance. Encouraging girls to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow—rather than as signs of failure—can help them build resilience and confidence. Celebrating their successes, no matter how small, and encouraging them to keep going in the face of setbacks is essential to building their confidence.
A growth mindset also involves showing students that mistakes are part of the learning process, and that success doesn’t come instantly. For example, in subjects like mathematics or engineering, it’s important for educators to encourage experimentation and exploration, showing students that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as they learn from them. By celebrating the persistence and determination that girls show in their STEAM studies, educators can instil a sense of pride and accomplishment in their work. This, in turn, can help build the confidence that girls need to pursue successful careers in these fields.
Conclusion
The transition from classroom to career is often daunting, but it can also be empowering with the right support. Girls aspiring to enter STEAM industries can succeed when they are given the tools to navigate this shift effectively. Educational institutions play a crucial role in preparing girls for successful careers in STEAM by integrating STEAM concepts into the curriculum, providing mentorship and role models, encouraging internships, and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment.
Not Just Girls are committed to advocating for these changes and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to thrive in STEAM fields. With the right guidance and support, girls can be confident, capable, and ready to lead in the ever-evolving world of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The time to invest in their potential is now, and the possibilities for their future careers are limitless. By working together to create opportunities and a supportive network, we can help the next generation of female leaders break through the barriers to success and innovate in ways that will shape the world for years to come.