When in doubt, talk to the people who believe in you
When I started out three decades ago, a career in engineering was considered a male stereotype – however, my heart was in engineering, and my family was fully supportive. I wasn’t deterred by stereotypes.
Soon after my engineering education was complete, I started working for an organisation focused on design and manufacturing of large machines – and one that already had many women engineers in manufacturing & quality. One of the projects I undertook was aboard a naval submarine. I was the only female engineer on the project. I distinctly remember how appreciative the service members on-board were, to see a lone woman deliver for the corporation and the nation!
While the percentage of women in engineering, manufacturing and quality remained low in the early stages of my career, the grit and commitment with which my female colleagues and seniors performed was a tremendous motivator and set a path for me to follow.
Today, most corporations have found value in driving a culture of diversity, equity & inclusion, and there is an obvious shift in progression of women at the workplace. However, there are two aspects that still concern me.
First, we are seeing fewer women take up careers in mechanical or heavy engineering, possibly assuming that the jobs are physically challenging, and second, the slowdown of recruitment of women for STEM careers. The two main factors that have helped me overcome these challenges have been:
1. Sharing the burden of responsibilities
There is an unequal demand of biological and domestic chores on women. I decided to break this stereotype by leaning heavily on my spouse for an equitable share of responsibilities at home.
Today, I feel proud to have raised a daughter who is now pursuing her doctorate in STEM.
2. Overcoming imposter syndrome
‘Imposter syndrome’ strikes women quite often, sometimes stemming from reactions from people around you, and sometimes self-imposed. It can push you down a spiral of self-doubt and lower your confidence.
Three things have helped me overcome the ‘imposter syndrome’:
- Staying focused on my purpose | To be a role model to other women like me and giving back to my seniors, peers and teams.
- Zooming out and practising positive self-talk | Management would not risk entrusting large projects and leadership roles if you weren’t the right candidate for the job – no matter your gender. Believe that!
- Talking to mentors and my leaders | When in doubt, talk to the people who believe in you!
