Dear Aspiring Women in STEM,
Whenever I'm asked about my career lessons or advice for young women in STEM, I always emphasize these four key points:
Your Presence is Essential
Your unique contributions are invaluable. Technology and engineering are fundamentally about problem-solving, and the best innovations arise when we consider diverse perspectives. Your viewpoint is crucial, especially as we advance into the AI era. The models we're developing today will shape our future, and it's vital that they are unbiased, ethical, and representative. We need women in AI now to ensure it serves everyone equally in the future.
You will become a change-maker, a role model, a problem-solver, and an inspiration. Your presence will significantly enrich our industry. I’m thrilled you’re here – keep pushing forward.
Express Yourself
There will be moments when you might feel out of place or different and might want to blend in or stay unnoticed. Resist that urge! Don’t silence your voice or withhold your contributions. Your authenticity is your strength.
Develop the bravery to speak up. Ask questions, request meetings, and take on challenges – this is how you’ll grow. Equally important is sharing your knowledge and experience. Support others and be a great team player. These qualities will distinguish you and positively impact your work and career.
Build Your Community
A supportive community is essential. Surround yourself with people who share your values and vision, where you can learn, seek advice, and grow together. Such allyship will help you discover more about yourself. My career has been shaped by mentors who encouraged me to seize opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise considered, allowing me to leverage my strengths and grow. Building this community requires effort. Get involved in professional organizations, engage in office experiences, and participate in employee resource groups. Seek out mentors and sponsors and maintain regular contact. Your career (and your life) will be enriched when you're surrounded by supportive people who help you thrive.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Dedicate yourself to continuous learning.
Deep Learning: Stay updated with evolving skills and technologies. It requires discipline, but numerous resources are available. Allocate time for learning, even on busy days. This will distinguish you in your field.
Wide Learning: Be open to unconventional career paths. You might be offered roles that don't align with your five-year plan. Embrace these opportunities. The broader your experience within a company, the more empathy and understanding you'll develop for its various functions, making you uniquely capable of leading and solving complex problems.
Stay curious!
I am grateful for you and cheering you on,
Liz
Whenever I'm asked about my career lessons or advice for young women in STEM, I always emphasize these four key points:
Your Presence is Essential
Your unique contributions are invaluable. Technology and engineering are fundamentally about problem-solving, and the best innovations arise when we consider diverse perspectives. Your viewpoint is crucial, especially as we advance into the AI era. The models we're developing today will shape our future, and it's vital that they are unbiased, ethical, and representative. We need women in AI now to ensure it serves everyone equally in the future.
You will become a change-maker, a role model, a problem-solver, and an inspiration. Your presence will significantly enrich our industry. I’m thrilled you’re here – keep pushing forward.
Express Yourself
There will be moments when you might feel out of place or different and might want to blend in or stay unnoticed. Resist that urge! Don’t silence your voice or withhold your contributions. Your authenticity is your strength.
Develop the bravery to speak up. Ask questions, request meetings, and take on challenges – this is how you’ll grow. Equally important is sharing your knowledge and experience. Support others and be a great team player. These qualities will distinguish you and positively impact your work and career.
Build Your Community
A supportive community is essential. Surround yourself with people who share your values and vision, where you can learn, seek advice, and grow together. Such allyship will help you discover more about yourself. My career has been shaped by mentors who encouraged me to seize opportunities I wouldn't have otherwise considered, allowing me to leverage my strengths and grow. Building this community requires effort. Get involved in professional organizations, engage in office experiences, and participate in employee resource groups. Seek out mentors and sponsors and maintain regular contact. Your career (and your life) will be enriched when you're surrounded by supportive people who help you thrive.
Commit to Lifelong Learning
Dedicate yourself to continuous learning.
Deep Learning: Stay updated with evolving skills and technologies. It requires discipline, but numerous resources are available. Allocate time for learning, even on busy days. This will distinguish you in your field.
Wide Learning: Be open to unconventional career paths. You might be offered roles that don't align with your five-year plan. Embrace these opportunities. The broader your experience within a company, the more empathy and understanding you'll develop for its various functions, making you uniquely capable of leading and solving complex problems.
Stay curious!
I am grateful for you and cheering you on,
Liz