Module 2: Exploring STEM Career Paths for Women
IN THIS LESSON
📌 Overview of STEM careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
📌 Women leading in AI, space exploration, medical research, and sustainable technology
📌 How to find the right STEM career for you.
Overview of STEM Careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
STEM careers encompass a wide array of professions:
Science: Roles such as biologists, chemists, and environmental scientists.
Technology: Positions including software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts.
Engineering: Fields like civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering.
Mathematics: Careers in statistics, actuarial science, and quantitative research.
These sectors offer diverse opportunities for problem-solving, innovation, and societal impact.
Women Leading in AI, Space Exploration, Medical Research, and Sustainable Technology
Women are making significant strides in various STEM fields:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Female professionals are at the forefront of AI research and application, contributing to advancements in machine learning and ethical AI practices.
Space Exploration: Women are leading missions and research in aerospace, exemplified by the upcoming all-female crewed suborbital spaceflight organized by Lauren Sánchez, featuring notable figures like aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe and astrophysicist Amanda Nguyen. Latest news & breaking headlines
Medical Research: Female scientists are pioneering studies in genomics, public health, and innovative medical treatments.
Sustainable Technology: Women are driving initiatives in renewable energy, environmental engineering, and sustainable product development, such as Dr. Cicely Shillingford's work in inclusive and sustainable haircare solutions. Byrdie
How to Find the Right STEM Career for You
To identify a suitable STEM career:
Assess Your Interests and Strengths: Reflect on subjects and activities you enjoy and excel in.
Research Various STEM Fields: Explore different disciplines to understand their roles and impact.
Seek Mentorship and Networking: Connect with professionals and participate in STEM communities.
Engage in Experiential Learning: Participate in internships, workshops, or projects to gain practical experience.
STEM Career Quiz: Discover Your Ideal STEM Path
Instructions:
Answer the following questions and keep track of your answers. At the end, tally up your responses to see which STEM field aligns with your interests!
1. What excites you the most?
A) Solving medical mysteries and learning about the human body
B) Building and coding apps or websites
C) Designing machines, buildings, or robots
D) Working with numbers, data, and patterns
2. How do you prefer to learn?
A) Through hands-on experiments and lab work
B) By solving complex puzzles and writing code
C) By designing and constructing things
D) By analysing data and finding trends
3. What kind of problems do you enjoy solving?
A) Health issues, diseases, or environmental concerns
B) Cybersecurity threats, AI development, or digital solutions
C) Engineering challenges, space exploration, or robotics
D) Financial models, predictions, or statistical analysis
4. What type of workplace appeals to you?
A) A laboratory, hospital, or environmental research centre
B) A tech start-up, gaming company, or cybersecurity firm
C) An aerospace company, an engineering firm, or a construction site
D) A finance company, research institution, or data analysis firm
5. Which of these school subjects do you enjoy the most?
A) Biology or Chemistry
B) Computer Science or ICT
C) Physics or Design & Technology
D) Mathematics or Economics
Your Results
Count how many times you chose A, B, C, or D to see which STEM field best matches your interests:
🔬 Mostly A’s: Science → Consider careers in medicine, biology, chemistry, environmental science, or research.
💻 Mostly B’s: Technology → Explore careers in software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.
🔧 Mostly C’s: Engineering → You might enjoy aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.
📊 Mostly D’s: Mathematics → Careers in data science, finance, actuarial science, and statistics might be a great fit!