Why girls should pursue technology-related degrees

20 May 2019

There is a lack of women in technology and other STEM-related fields, and this is a global issue.

It’s not because women are less capable intellectually than men of pursuing science and math-based degrees; according to The Conversation, girls actually make up over half of the United States’ gifted student population.

Only 7% of women choose to study engineering, manufacturing and construction, compared to 22% of men.

Of the students pursuing careers in information, communication and technology (ICT) fields, 28% are women and 72% are men. #STEM

— World Bank (@WorldBank) February 24, 2019

There are a number of reasons why girls who are interested in STEM don’t pursue technology-related degrees. These include negative stereotypes, lack of role models, discouragement, low self-confidence and fear of competing in a male-dominated industry.

But here at Study International, we are advocates of encouraging women to believe in themselves and actively pursue an interest in tech.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why girls should pursue a technology-related degree.

Exciting and rewarding careers

“The history of technology is told as a story of great men. But these women, among many others, shaped the technology that we use daily along with the futures of those inspired to go into tech careers.” #UTOLEDO https://t.co/uDU67U0ROl

— N. Sandrine Mubenga, PhD, PE (@NgalulaPe) May 17, 2019

Technology is one of the most innovative and exciting industries to enter. Emerging technologies like automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are making their way into most aspects of our lives, and it’s interesting to see what the future may hold.

While some fear that these new technologies could put humans out of business, various reports show that the future of technology requires workers who hold strong human traits such as critical thinking, creativity and communication skills.

Jobs in technology will be high in demand and there are many career paths to take if you hold a technology-based degree.

These include subjects like Software Engineering, Information Technology Management, Web Development, Video Game Design, Computer Science, Business Information Technology, and more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.

“These occupations are projected to add about 557,100 new jobs. Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security.”

There’s also the chance to work in different sectors: healthcare, food and beverage, retail, education, business, finance, automotive, and much more.

Many jobs in this field are remote-based or allow work-from-home opportunities, offering more flexibility for employees.

So if you’ve got a penchant for science and math and want to have a stable career with great job prospects and salary, a technology-related degree is the way to go.

Become a change-maker

With a technology-based degree, there’s the chance you could make a difference in the world and change people’s lives for the better.

Innovation is at the forefront of technology, and thanks to growing advances in the field, scientists and technology professionals are breaking ground every day.

For example, Dr Katie Bouman, a PhD student in computer science and artificial intelligence at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was recently praised worldwide for her efforts in leading a team to the creation of a new algorithm that produced the world’s first-ever image of a black hole.

With a focus on entrepreneurship and start-up culture in universities, students have plenty of opportunities to develop innovative new ideas that incorporate technology and make everyday living more efficient.

Whether on a global or local community scale, you have the chance to make a true difference to people’s lives with a technology degree.

More diversity, more rewards

Source: Giphy

Diversity in universities and working environments benefits everyone. It fosters mutual respect among employees, and businesses thrive when there are dynamic

Workplace diversity fosters mutual respect among employees, and those from diverse backgrounds offer different talents, skills, experiences and ideas that are beneficial to an organisation.

Companies that encourage a diverse workplace and ensure they don’t practice discrimination foster a fair and respectful working environment, meaning employees are happier and more motivated to work.

According to Mondo, “Nearly 62 percent of our executive and management-level teams at Mondo are made up of women, and we have experienced the far-reaching benefits, like enhanced problem-solving and increased innovation, that prioritizing gender diversity in your workforce provides.”

Becoming role models for others

Attending Tech related trainings, hackathons, and workshops I noticed the low attendance of females in the industry, that’s why I wanted to start @Divaloper1. And it’s my vision to be the role model for ladies in this industry. That’s why I decided to train them myself. #HTML5 pic.twitter.com/5kgShf5tvP

— Miss_dobia (@grizzly_coder) April 24, 2019

Women who succeed in technology or pursue careers in the male-dominated field are inspiring role models for other girls.

When girls see other women embarking on successful careers in technology, or becoming tech entrepreneurs, it offers them hope that they can succeed as well.

It can be a personally rewarding experience to motivate and inspire others to follow a similar path as you.