it's a man's world...
- #SMOM
- May 16, 2019
- 4 min read
In April of 2019, I had the privilege of attending the Manufacturing Institute's 2019 STEP Awards.
One of the keynote speakers told the story about how she was in the hospital bed...in HONG KONG...with her laptop...her cell phone...taking the company she was VP of Finance Public...a mere hours before she gave birth to her first child. A child that took three years to conceive might I add To many this would be off-putting....to me this was SERIOUS #GOALS.
I have always known that I was in the right field, but hearing her story solidified my career choice.
When I say my career field is male dominate...that is an understatement. I work in an industry that is legit 98-99% Male. Additionally, it is 98-99% White Males.
I also need to say this...there is not some diabolical scheme to keep women and minorities out. Truly, it has been mostly White Males to major in this field and my company...though a #Fortune100 company and #8 Tech Company in the world (Can you spot the plug lol)...is simply not on women and minorities' radar.
With that being said...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY FIELD. I work in software development...so I am a #WomaninSTEM.
I could go on and on about what I love about #STEM, but here are my top reasons for encouraging women and minorities to enter #STEM and/or any other Male dominated field...
1. Encouraged to be Assertive
Women are often times told that when we are assertive we are either being aggressive and/or...the poor man's term...a B$%CH! This conditions us women to somewhat dampen who some of us naturally are...assertive women looking to take over the world lol.
I am a naturally assertive woman. I have always been. Seeing how my toddler daughter is...let's me know that I was for sure born with it AND I passed this assertive trait...so it is genetic in this bloodline:-)
Enter...my company...I am encouraged to be assertive about what I need. What I need is what the customers need...and customers needs being met = $$$. This fact takes away the personal aspect of needing to be assertive. Less personal...more business.
If your goal at your role is X...and Y has to be met to get to X...then you do whatever is respectfully required to get Y met.
To be passive is to let others decide for you. To be aggressive is to decide for others. To be assertive is to decide for yourself. " ― Edith Eva Eger
Plus, being assertive does grant a certain level of respect. Respect to the fact that you are knowledgeable. Respect for the fact that you are focused on the goal. Respect for the fact that you are focused on achieving that goal.
2. Automatic Standout
Look...we all want some level of attention...here's looking at you #AyeshaCurry lol.
The type of attention you require is your business.
What has been nice about working in the field of #STEM, is how easy the attention comes as an automatic standout.
"I'm always standing so I standout..." Miguel
Whether it be a call, a conference, or a customer visit, I am sure to be the only woman AND/OR the only minority involved.
Best part about being an automatic standout: I get to attend cool events on behalf of my company and participate in discussions with the Company C-suite.
3. Pretty Chill Attitude
Unless, your job is truly tied to saving lives...the general attitude in #STEM is that we are not in fact saving lives.
While Chicago is a super cool city...it can literally be a SUPER COOL city. This past winter, the #minime and I experienced our First...and Mother Nature willing...LAST Polar Vortex.
Leadership was like you got laptops...you got work mobile phones...you are good to work from home.
2018 was the #minime first year in daycare. This first year was fully equipped with a lot of fevers and even a bout with #handfootandmouth. I called my manager and informed him of my daughter's diagnosis and he was like "I understand...you got a laptop and a phone. You can work from home vs using your #PTO."
When I needed to fly out to Cali to help my #bestie find love...everyone was super supportive. All the guys even recorded the episode and took screenshots every time they saw me and/or the #minime.
Working in a Male-Dominated field is not perfect...
I mean the very things I like about working in a Male-Dominated field are at times the very things that are irritating.
I do not always want to be assertive...I want to be able to talk and simply be heard and respected based on my position on the project.
It gets old being the only minority and/or woman. This somewhat puts me on edge as you just never know what Freudian slip might come out of someone's mouth.
Because the atmosphere is so chill...some things that require a sense of urgency are very laissez-faire.
The look you get when you INSIST and ASSERT that the men take you by Walgreen's to get some "items you forgot to pack";-o or INSIST a bathroom break be taken immediately lol:-)
One would think that with a work-life this good, I would want all this goodness to myself. Funny enough...it has been quite the opposite. Every single chance I get to talk with C-suite leadership, I emphasize the importance of seeing more diversity within the company, switching up the company's recruiting processes, and sharing ways in which the company can get on the radar of more minorities and women.
While, some industries are indeed a #MansWorld...
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl
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