They accepted the challenge of careers in STEM

They accepted the challenge of careers in STEM

Perhaps you have ever seen the acronym STEM. They form an acronym formed by the terms Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Since 2015, these academic disciplines have been recognized as priorities in the educational context thanks to the definition of the Sustainable Development Goals by UNESCO. What do the aforementioned objectives pursue? The dignity of people, the protection of the planet, the assurance of prosperity as a means to guarantee quality of life and peace. However, it is necessary for everyone to understand the importance of working together, positive alliances and the role that each one of us must assume.

It is at this point that we want to emphasize the involvement of women in the proposed objectives. According to UNESCO studies, referenced by the UN, in the world only 35% of those who study university degrees in STEM are women. It is still a low percentage considering that in various regions of the world there are policies aimed at guaranteeing the recognition and potential of women as key actors in the transformation of society.

That is why significant contributions in this regard are increasingly evident, for example: scholarship programs to promote the education and training of women in topics related to STEM disciplines, humanitarian actions in favor of women, creation of training, the trend towards labor flexibility as a favorable condition for insertion in decent work, as well as actions to promote the empowerment of women in the political, economic, socio-cultural, legal and technological fields.

Lerna Arias is an interesting example to illustrate the ideas raised. She is a Computer Electronic Engineer, with a Master's Degree in Marketing. She emigrated to Texas, United States from Venezuela. Thanks to her training, she is part of a Offshore engineering company, which has been in Houston for more than 40 years with offices in various parts of the world. As Director of Marketing, her background in engineering has allowed her to better understand the services offered by the company and to make significant contributions in its daily activities. Lerna achieved a balance between her work and family, which has allowed her to grow as a person and as a professional. When asked what advice she would give to girls who want to be part of STEM careers, she says confidently: “…particularly, I have a lot of respect for all the professionals trained in these areas. The demands of subjects such as calculus, numerical analysis and programming are high, but there is no need to fear, it is an excellent way to educate the brain, to teach it to think in an organized way, to learn how to approach problems and solve them optimally. The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 10.5% growth in STEM jobs from 2020 to 2030. This is an excellent opportunity to join the group”

Marissa Magboo, on the other hand, is an Architect with experience in electrical, mechanical and instrumentation designs. She was born in the Philippines and currently works in the Electrical Engineering Department of a company in the oil and energy industry, located in Houston, Texas. She has more than 25 years participating in offshore and onshore projects. We asked Marissa to explain her activities to us and she commented: “I work with applications such as AutoCAD, MicroStation/PDS, Raceway, JPI, PDS Piping, Smart Plant Review, among others. My responsibilities have included creating electrical designs, 3D models and plans, performing material calculations, collecting data from other disciplines, as well as working with customers, subcontractors and vendors. I have had the opportunity to coordinate the work of teams of electrical and mechanical engineers. My profession has allowed me to be in very interesting projects and meet talented people”.

Another professional experience is offered by Aymara Hernández. She is a Computer Engineer, Specialist in Management, Master in Industrial Engineering and Doctor in Development Studies. When talking about her experience in STEM careers, she does not hesitate to express: “My motto is study with commitment, perseverance and responsibility. With 25 years of experience in university teaching and research, I consider that my studies gave me knowledge to tackle various projects, strengthen the capacity for synthesis and critical analysis. I have written several articles and books in the area of business development, both co-authored with university colleagues and individually. I have also participated in the organization of scientific events and in commissions for distance education, educational research and management of scientific journals, among others. My recommendation is based on the divide and conquer strategy. Step by step we are achieving our goals if we maintain a clear and precise objective”.

More women and girls are accepting the challenges and opportunities offered by STEM careers; Do you want to be one of them?

Sources:

United Nations (2019). 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. An Opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean. Chile: Economic Commission for Latin America.

United Nations Women Organization (2022). We need more women in STEM careers. Downloaded from: https://www.unwomen.org/es

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (2019). Cracking the code: The education of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). France.

Co-authors:

Lerna Arias

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/lernaarias/

Aymara Hernandez

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/aymara-p-hernández-arias-742332124/