Unearthing Your Purpose: How we can help guide Young Women on Their STEM Journey

In the latest of my weekly Mentoring sessions with year 10 & 11 female high school students, hosted by the https://www.leadcurriculum.org , Chiara Poliak and I coached them this week on the importance of Purpose and why its important to start thinking about this as early as possible!

For young women aspiring to carve a niche in the various STEM industries, identifying a personal purpose is more than a motivational tool; it's a compass that directs their career trajectory and shapes their future. This pursuit of purpose is not just about personal fulfilment; it's about moulding a career that resonates with our deepest values and aspirations. In this blog, I explore the critical role of finding purpose in life, how it can shape career choices in STEM, and the invaluable role You and I as mentors play in this process. I'll also outline six essential steps to help young women uncover their 'why'.

Finding Purpose in STEM Careers: Having a clear sense of purpose in a field as challenging and diverse as STEM provides a strong foundation for making informed career choices. It acts as a guiding light through the complexities of this ever-evolving sector, offering motivation and a sense of direction. When your career decisions are anchored in your personal purpose, they lead to deeper satisfaction and impactful contributions in your career path.

Mentorship: A Key Catalyst: The role of mentors in this journey cannot be overstated. Experienced professionals who have navigated the STEM landscape can provide young women with guidance, share insights, and help them align their passions and skills with suitable career paths. Mentorship is a powerful tool that can illuminate possibilities and help young women navigate the path to finding their purpose.

Six Steps to Uncovering Your 'Why':

1. Engage in Deep Self-Reflection: Understand what drives you, what you’re passionate about, and what you value most in your work.
2. Explore Broadly within STEM: Investigate various sectors within STEM topics to find what genuinely captivates your interest.
3. Define Personal Success: Determine what success in a STEM career means to you, whether it’s innovation, problem-solving, or making a societal impact.
4. Seek Real-World Experiences: Participate in internships or projects to gain hands-on experience and insight into different STEM fields.
5. Connect with Mentors: Build relationships with mentors who can offer invaluable advice and perspective on your career journey.
6. Embrace Continuous Learning: Remain open to learning and adapting, as your purpose and interests may evolve over time.

Conclusion and Call to Action: Discovering one's purpose in a career is a journey of self-discovery, alignment, and empowerment. It requires time, exploration, and the support of those who have walked the path before. This is where the IT industry and its leaders come into play. I urge leaders in the IT and wider STEM fields to step forward, engage in mentorship and coaching, and invest their time and expertise in guiding young women. Your insights, experiences, and support can make a monumental difference in shaping the next generation of female professionals. Let's collaborate to create a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven landscape.

Your involvement can light the path for many young women, helping them find their place and propel our industry forward.

If you have teenage daughters, who you think may benefit from this message; please share with them!