Why women in STEM rock…
EXPERT ADVICE
By Debbie Vadasz, Women in Engineering Manager, UNSW Engineering
Could you describe your role at UNSW and your background?
I’m the Women in Engineering Manager and my role is to support the experience of our current female-identifying engineering students across all disciplines and year stages, as well as inspire the next generation of engineers through the UNSW Girls in Engineering Club! I have spent a number of years working in student-facing roles at both UNSW and UTS as a student advisor, careers consultant and in outreach with the UNSW ASPIRE program. I also have an honours degree in architecture and spent time working in the construction industry as well!
Why is it important to promote Women in STEM?
Many of the jobs of the future are in STEM industries, with 75% of the fastest-growing occupations requiring science, technology, engineering, or maths skills. By 2023 there’s expected to be an 11% growth in STEM jobs as opposed to 6% in non-STEM jobs, and it’s really important to have diversity in the workforce, and that those designing the technologies and systems to solve the problems of the future, are also reflecting the end-users of those systems – i.e. 51% women!
Could you tell us about the Women in Engineering program at UNSW?
The Women in Engineering (WIE) program was established at UNSW in 2014, and to date, it has boosted the enrolment of female-identifying students to engineering by a massive 78%, with close to 27% of engineering students identifying as female, and it positions UNSW as one of the largest communities of women studying engineering in Australia! The aim of the WIE program is to provide a dedicated support network of students, staff, alumni, and industry and build a strong community that starts in high school with the UNSW Girls in Engineering Club and continues throughout university and into the workforce. The WIE program has five partner student societies including the Women in Engineering Society (WIESoc), as well as a scholarships program, peer and industry mentoring programs, and of course the all-important social and networking events!
Why do we need to support Women in STEM?
We need to support Women in STEM, and especially women in traditionally more male-dominated disciplines like engineering, as diversity in perspective is so important and women bring so much to the table. In any industry “imposter syndrome” can creep in and more so if you feel like you’re in a minority, so our WIE program is really about building that supportive community that encourages and empowers our female-identifying students to thrive in their studies and take advantage of the amazing opportunities available to them throughout their degree.
What tips do you have for female-identifying students commencing their studies in a STEM degree?
Get involved! That’s my biggest tip. There are so many opportunities that await you at university outside of your studies and they can really enrich your whole university experience. Join a student society or club, they’re a great way to meet people and make friends, and they also offer a ton of networking and mentoring programs. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you find yourself struggling. It can be difficult transitioning from school to uni, dealing with a new way of studying, and also anything that may come up outside of your studies. We’re all human and it’s normal to face challenges. That’s why there are so many support services in place at UNSW, from academic support to counselling and mental health and wellbeing resources. I always like to reach out to each commencing cohort of women in engineering students at the start of each term to not only let them know about the exciting opportunities in engineering but also to make sure they are aware of the UNSW support services.
How is gender diversity changing the employment landscape?
In 2020 the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) report came out that was based on six years of data collection on Australian companies’ gender reporting, and there was direct proof of the link between greater gender diversity and business success. Interesting findings included a female CEO increased a company’s market value by 5% (that’s nearly $80 million to an average ASX200 company!), and if 10% or more women have other key leadership positions, it increased to 6.6% or $105 million. It’s pretty clear that women in leadership positions make good business sense and having greater gender diversity in the workplace boosts the economy!
What do you think the future holds for Women in STEM?
I think the future for Women in STEM is very bright! Especially within engineering, there is high demand among employers for female-identifying engineers, with the recognition that women bring a unique perspective and highly valuable skill set to the profession. An engineering degree can open so many doors and going into the future as Australia competes in the emerging global economy, the demand for technology and engineering will only get greater!
Who are some Women in STEM trailblazers?
Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr. Cathy Foley is definitely a trailblazer, and the current CEO of Engineers Australia Dr. Bronwyn Evans AM is also very impressive as is former Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons AO who is doing groundbreaking work in quantum physics. We have so many inspirational Women in STEM, just take a look at our UNSW Girls in Engineering Club Instagram for profiles of our WIE community doing amazing things!
Any closing statements of motivation for female-identifying students studying in STEM fields?
Take every opportunity you can, and just say “yes”. Even if feelings of doubt creep in, know that you have the smarts to get into the course in the first place and you can do it! Put in the hard work, ask questions, collaborate, and be curious. That’s how you innovate, and ideas become reality. Also, in case you need to hear it, get on top of your time management NOW! You will thank me later for that one…
How can students get in touch with you or a member of your team?
You can contact the WIE Team via email at [email protected] and we’re always happy to answer any questions.