For years, companies, universities and nonprofits have researched the reasons why women are less likely to enter STEM fields — and why, once they enter, they face challenges that frequently push them out. In prior research, we at the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) found that women leave STEM fields in droves: 52% of highly qualified women working for science, technology, or engineering companies leave their jobs. We, and others, have found that the cultures surrounding women in STEM have been shown, time and again, to be particularly challenging.
6 Things Successful Women in STEM Have in Common
According to a survey of 3,212 people in the field.
April 27, 2018
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Summary.
In prior research, the Center for Talent Innovation (CTI) found that women leave STEM fields in droves: 52% of highly qualified women working for science, technology, or engineering companies leave their jobs. And the cultures surrounding women in STEM have been shown, time and again, to be particularly challenging. Yet some female leaders have managed to build highly successful careers with degrees in STEM disciplines. How did they do it? A new research study from CTI uncovers six differentiators of success for women in STEM. Those differentiators are, in fact, strategies that all women in STEM could employ to achieve success, regardless of how supportive — or hostile — their company cultures may be. They include telegraphing confidence; being bold and ensuring that they’re not overlooked; leveraging their network; building up protégés by sponsoring someone at their company; remaining authentic; and honing a personal brand. For women who want to become power players today, embracing and embodying these success factors can help.
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New!
HBR Learning
HBR Learning
Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
How to build a better, more just workplace.