6 tips from women in STEM on how to succeed in development

Professionals from science, technology, engineering, or mathematics backgrounds are contributing to global development projects all over the world. While these fields still tend to be male-dominated, there are many women drawing upon their STEM expertise and leading development projects and teams. Three of these women spoke to Devex about how they came to work in global development and carved out successful careers. They shared insights on what skills helped them overcome challenges and tips for succeeding as a woman in STEM in the development sector. Here are six key takeaways from the event. 1. Focus on developing your skills For Michelle Kolb, who studied environmental engineering, volunteering with Engineers Without Borders showed her how to utilize her technical skills to solve problems in global development. Having been advised to develop project management skills, she continued to volunteer with the organization to build competencies in this area. Think long term, Kolb advised, who went on to be a deputy production manager with Tetra Tech and currently works for the state of Vermont, and achieving your goals doesn’t just happen overnight. Look for opportunities to keep learning and developing leadership skills, advised Sarah Hovinga, project and product support lead working on development projects as part of the disease management team at Bayer U.S. This can be through books, articles, and forums. She also recommended prioritizing one skill per year to work on and, over the course of your career, this will really add up. 2. Keep a positive attitude In STEM fields, there are always going to be judgments around gender or education level, Hovinga cautioned. There will also be times when you fail, she added, but keeping a positive attitude, thinking about what you have learned, and persevering can go a long way. After several years working in the humanitarian sector, Jagoda Pietrzak, now a regional protection data analyst with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, doesn’t feel it is particularly male-dominated and sees more women working in the field. However, there have been occasions when colleagues have displayed condescending attitudes and, while there can be a number of contributing factors, such as education or experience, she has found it to be more apparent in male colleagues. Cultural and societal norms can also play a part, she added. “In some situations, you may feel that, as a young woman, you have to prove your abilities and knowledge,” she explained. Attitude is important in these situations — be aware of cultural differences and preconceived notions on both sides, Pietrzak advised. 3. Build your network Whether you are looking to move up the ladder within your organization, or switch from research or programmatic work to leadership roles, networking is critical. Think about who you are trying to connect with and how to go about that, Hovinga advised. Your approach may differ depending on whether that person works within your company, in your field of interest, or if you connect via LinkedIn. Figure out how to use your network to your advantage, she added, and be proactive in creating opportunities — you could organize learning luncheons with other professionals in the sector, for example. Networking can also play an important role in transitioning from a domestic to an internationally focused career, explained Kolb. When she first landed a job with Tetra Tech, Kolb continued to be proactive in networking within the organization and seeking advice on what skills would help her move into their international development sector, which she successfully did. Kolb also attended relevant events and realized how valuable it is to have contacts in the sector you are interested in. She recommended other women put themselves in these types of situations, adding that it can be an opportunity to learn from different professionals. 4. Be open to opportunities Hovinga encouraged an opportunistic approach, particularly if you don’t know exactly what you want to do and how to get there. In her own career, she has tried to pursue roles that allowed her to develop professional skills beyond her expertise subject matter, such as project management, meeting facilitation, and supporting colleagues’ development, among other things. Look for opportunities to highlight what you do well and also what you enjoy the most, she added. Pietrzak agreed that it is important to consider your interests and values and be open to opportunities that will allow you to learn as much as possible. 5. Demonstrate a solution-focused approach Reflecting on her experience leading humanitarian teams and projects, Pietrzak said that adopting a solution-oriented mindset was one of the most helpful skills. When faced with complex problems that can accumulate, it is more effective to focus on how you can solve these than to get overwhelmed by the number of problems, she explained. The sector also requires a very hands-on approach, she added. Hovinga agreed that it is helpful to focus on solutions, especially in management roles. She also finds that the people on her own team who stand out the most are those who identify how to address problems and find ways to be part of that solution. 6. Surround yourself with inspiring women Kolb has rarely felt intimidated as a woman working in STEM. She attributes this to the environment she grew up in, which helped her realize that women could be “smart, driven, and organized.” “[The] key is to develop relationships with women in your field that can serve as mentors and as an example of confidence and success,” she said, adding that you have to feel confident in your own abilities. If you surround yourself with inspiring and confident women, then you will have no doubts as to what you can accomplish as a woman, she said.