Women in STEM Fields: Exploring the Opportunities

When you think of a computer programmer or electrical engineer, what comes to mind?

The computer science and engineering industries have been male-dominated for many years. However, the future is bright for women who decide to pursue their passion and earn their degree to work in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field.

Compared to men, the number of women who graduate college with science and technology degrees is small. As a result, women who do earn these degrees often do not have a hard time finding employment after graduation.

According to a recent CNN article, today’s employers are being encouraged to increase gender diversity in the workplace, which means opportunities for women who graduate with science and technology degrees will likely continue to increase.

Gender aside, any individual with a science degree is in high demand. As advancements in technology continue to be made, more and more companies are realizing the need for digital technology and computing in order to take their business to the next level.

Today, companies are beginning to realize the value women can bring to the workplace. For example, women currently make up only 22 percent of video game developers. However, 50 percent of people who play video games are women. By hiring more women developers, companies can better tailor their products to their audience, leading to more successful business.

While women are currently the minority in science and technology fields, it is important for them to realize that they can be seen as equal with men. As employers begin to see the need for women in these fields, it is likely the workplace culture will become much more accepting. In addition, employers may be more willing to negotiate matters such as salary so that women can have equal opportunities.

At the end of the day, it is important to hire applicants based on their skills, experience and fit for the position. However, as employers realize the value that can be added to their company by having a more diverse workplace, women can begin to rise to positions based on their talent and qualifications. For these reasons, now is a great time for women to pursue careers in STEM fields!

Interested in earning a degree offered by Grand Canyon University’s College of Science, Engineering and Technology? Visit our website or use the Request More Information button at the top of the page.

Written by Lauren Abraham, a senior earning a degree in communications from GCU.