Don't rule yourself out of a career in STEM

STEM needs every kind of person. Yet too often, women rule themselves out of opportunities because they feel intimidated or fear that certain fields might be too advanced for their skill set.

But innovation doesn't come from one type of personality or skill set; it takes a whole range of people and different skills to bring science and technology to life. Don't believe the stereotype that STEM teams are just made up of quiet geniuses. They include communicators, creatives, organisers, problem-solvers - people who learn by doing and who make mistakes. There are important roles in STEM fields in everything from sales, marketing, administration and beyond.

If you're considering pursuing a career in STEM, ask yourself the questions you would for any role: Does it interest you? Do you enjoy problem-solving? Does the role let you use the skills you enjoy? If so, then you know your answer, go for it!

It may be that your skillset matches the role, but you don't know the field, and that's no problem. A good team will support you as you learn, explain what you don't know yet, and value the fresh perspective you bring. 

Surrounding yourself with diverse perspectives can be key in helping you to overcome low confidence and the anxieties that come from work-related pressures. It's so easy to fall prey to imposter syndrome and think your output isn't good enough, especially when surrounded by so many technical experts. But when you work with people outside your direct field, they have a real appreciation for what you do, and it can be a real confidence booster.

For a long time, I didn't feel like I had the right mentality for STEM. I wasn't naturally great at exams, and I'm definitely someone who makes mistakes and learns along the way. But finding a good team, whose people support me as I learn, has also meant I've found out my strengths - asking questions, keeping going through challenging moments, always trying my best.

Since taking the leap into a career in STEM, I've witnessed the power of opportunity firsthand. The technology sector is an incredibly diverse ecosystem, and I've been fortunate to work across various domains. I've seen that women flourish when they're free to explore different paths and discover their passions. As more women join the ranks of developers, data scientists, and AI leaders, they bring with them a range of perspectives that enrich our field and become role models for others looking to follow in their footsteps.

So, whether you're choosing your first university course, applying for a job, or considering a new direction altogether, but you're not sure if your personality or skill set is the right fit, if you find the field or topic interesting, go for it and don't let your self-doubt hold you back! Science needs diverse people, diverse skills, and diverse ways of thinking to succeed.