4 Female Engineers Share Advice on Working in a Male-Dominated Industry
The technology industry was a vastly different place in the 1960s – integrated circuits were new on the scene, the first robot was invented to help manufacture cars, and women only made up 1% of engineers in the U.S.
While strides have been made worldwide to realize a diverse engineering workforce with equal representation among women and men, there’s still a long way to go. In fact, according to a 2019 report by the Society of Women Engineers, only 15% of engineering roles were held by women.
"I think you have to prove yourself more, as a woman, in this industry."
At onsemi, we’re driving disruptive innovation to build a future we want to live in, and this means creating a workplace where women can thrive in all roles , especially engineering.
Our recent Sustainability Report found that women hold 17% of onsemi's total technical roles within the company – an increase of 1% from 2021. Globally, 64% of all technical roles held by female engineers are based in the Asia Pacific, followed by 20% in Europe and 16% in North America.
In honor of International Women in Engineering Day , we spoke with female engineers representing onsemi’s three global regions to learn what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated industry, and how the next generation can find confidence in their career.
Shola Slough BEng MCIM, Product Marketing Specialist | Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Q: As a woman, what do you wish you knew entering the engineering industry that you can share as advice to women new to or considering a career in engineering?
My first piece of advice to women considering a career in engineering is to know that there will be many occasions when you are the only female in the room – Girrrrl, own it! With the same or similar educational qualifications and work experience as your male colleagues, be confident that you have earned your seat at the table. Your apparent difference brings a valuable voice that adds richness and diversity to an all-too-often homogenous conversation.
Q: What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome and what did that teach you?
There will be many challenges along the way, but these must be overcome with grace and excellence – you do not wish to be characterized as a “difficult person to work with.” I’ve found it beneficial to turn such challenges into learning and growth opportunities rather than taking them personally. For example, if someone speaks over me during a meeting, I work on my communication skills to ensure that I am better heard and understood next time. If I feel I am being passed on for bigger projects, I work on my self-confidence and ask outright.
Q: At onsemi, we’re building a better future. What does that mean for you as a woman, and woman of color, in engineering?
As a woman of color, it has been discouraging not always having ‘someone who looks like me’ who has gone on before. But I am spurred on by the realization that perhaps it’s up to me to be that ‘someone’ for those coming after me.
It is also important to note that the job of advocating for women in the workplace is one for both men and women, and I am encouraged by the work environment at onsemi.
"Your apparent difference brings a valuable voice that adds richness and diversity to an all-too-often homogenous conversation."
Recent personnel changes have resulted in the highest proportion of women in senior leadership to date. Coupled with our innovative and energy-efficient solutions, it’s clear that onsemi is building a better future – for the women who work here, as well as our customers around the world.
Marion Blancher , Field Application Engineer | Région de Paris, France
Q: As a woman, what do you wish you knew entering the engineering industry that you can share as advice to women new to or considering a career in engineering?
I remember experiencing firsthand during my studies that there were not a lot of women during my courses, so it should be easy, right? But it was tougher than I thought. I think you have to prove yourself more, as a woman, in this industry. My advice would be to always stand your ground and don't let yourself down. You are the best version of yourself, make it bright!
"I had to get out of my comfort zone to build my connections."
?Q: What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome and what did that teach you?
One of the biggest challenges was some customers not being used to having a female engineer in front of them, making you feel like you were not supposed to be here. When it’s your first job it can be overwhelming, but you learn to be more confident and show them that you are not only a woman, you are an engineer and should be treated like one.
Q: At onsemi, we’re building a better future. What does that mean for you as a woman in engineering?
Being a woman shouldn't be part of the equation when you apply for a new position or project – your experiences and work results should be. I hope for full equality for job opportunity and position, salary, and parental leave regardless of gender or color.
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Radhika Arora , Sr. Director Product Marketing Automotive Solutions Division | San Jose, CA, USA
Q: What do you wish you knew entering the engineering industry that you can share as advice to women new to or considering a career in engineering?
Take the time to explore the vast tech domain so you can see where your interests take you and always have the spark of curiosity. Never be afraid to ask questions or participate in discussions, especially if it seems that everyone involved is more experienced and knowledgeable on a subject. Be your own unique voice and don’t second guess yourself over it.
Q: What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome and what did that teach you?
While things are certainly improving, historically women have been underrepresented in engineering, specifically in the semiconductor industry. It was often difficult to find role models or mentors that I could network with to pick on their unique insight as a woman who was successful in this field.
"Be your own unique voice and don’t second guess yourself over it."
So, for most of my early years, I had to get out of my comfort zone to build my connections, and always continue learning and working on my own skills and toolset – both technical and business related.
Always continue learning. Build up your toolbox. When you know your work inside and out, you will naturally thrive, exuding confidence.
Q: At onsemi, we’re building a better future. What does that mean for you as a woman in engineering?
onsemi strongly believes, advocates, and cultivates an inclusive culture that makes everyone feel comfortable and understood. Every voice matters. Our company created the Women in Engineering Group, an employee resource group which includes representation from all genders. It provides a space for open dialogue, advice and mentoring.
Vera Huang, Process Engineer | Shenzhen, China
Q: What do you wish you knew entering the engineering industry that you can share as advice to women new to or considering a career in engineering?
Something I want to share with women who are new to engineering or are considering a career in engineering is this: Don’t put limits on yourself and don’t deny yourself; believe that you are fully capable of becoming an outstanding engineer in the future.
Q: What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome and what did that teach you?
As a female engineer in the semiconductor industry, there are always challenges to improve yourself. What I do now is highly relevant to what I studied in school, but I continue to challenge myself professionally. Through learning new skills and improving my overall knowledge, I have grown faster and continue to enrich my career.
"Don’t put limits on yourself — believe that you are fully capable of becoming an outstanding engineer in the future."
Q: At onsemi, we’re building a better future. What does that mean for you as a woman in engineering?
I think that means onsemi will give more chances for females to show what they have to offer and the impact we can make. This will help the working environment for female engineers become more diverse and inclusive. Thanks, onsemi, for giving us this chance.
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Ready to transform your future? Visit onsemi.com/careers to learn more about our values-led culture and career opportunities.
EMEA Channel Marketing Manager at onsemi
2 年Scientific competence, confidence and femininity - great qualities to have! I enjoy so much being surrounded by such inspiring ladies at onsemi!
Corporate Account Manager at onsemi
2 年@Shola Slough proud of working with somebody that friendly and skilled like you. Looking foward to join your webinar with Silica about Wireless & 5G https://www.dhirubhai.net/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6948006935342309376?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
Thank you to Radhika Arora, Shola Slough BEng MCIM, Marion Blancher and Vera Huang for sharing their stories.
Vice President, Silicon Labs
2 年Great insights, thanks for sharing. Better solutions come about from a team that is structured to look at a problem from varying perspectives. Diversity of thought is a key business differentiator!