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According to reports from the National Science Foundation, the STEM workforce continues to see some of the most substantial growth. From 2011 to 2021 alone, the number of its professionals increased by an impressive 20%. This is due to the widespread demand for professionals who can support the critical services that this sector provides, especially regarding technology and science stimulated by global digitalization and the rise in awareness surrounding healthcare.
Across all sectors of STEM, though, women are fast becoming more prevalent. As per the same source above, the rate of women entering STEM is roughly 31%. In comparison, the rate of men entering STEM is around 15%. Despite this, women still have to contend with a lack of diversity, representation, and equality in these industries. Contrary to the above statistics, only 25% of all leadership roles are filled by women. As such, it can easily be disheartening for aspiring young women in STEM. Fortunately, while slow, there are already positive strides to address this, with new programs and incentives to propel female talent. In the meantime, women in these industries can find inspiration and guidance on how to navigate the world of STEM from highly convenient and knowledge-filled ebooks.
Audiobooks to inspire and guide new women in STEM
Valued at Work: Shining a light on bias to engage, enable, and retain women in STEM
A Business Book Awards 2024 Finalist, this work by Lauren Neal provides a digestible guidebook that aims to help women navigate the complex expectations and barriers they’re likely to face in STEM. Inspired by real-life experiences of women across the decades, this book helps illuminate the murky realities of being in a male-dominated profession. While this read will prove valuable for every woman, no matter at what stage they are in their careers, it will prove especially helpful to new hires as it helps assuage the feelings of uncertainty many women have to grapple with.
Hidden Figures
Women have historically been involved in STEM, but society often relegated them to the background until their achievements spoke for themselves, earning them the credit they deserved. The book by Margot Lee Shetterly captures this reality in her book, chronicling the professional careers of Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Christine Darden, who worked at NASA through the 50s and 60s. This must-read, also adapted into a movie, highlights the vital roles these women played in the Space Race, leading to their recent recognition with Congressional Gold Medals.
Beating the Odds: Winning Strategies of Women in STEM
Although it’s a bitter pill to swallow, women in STEM are more likely to face discrimination in the workplace. The good news is that these are surmountable, as the experiences in this ebook by Patty Rowland Burke and Kelly Simmons will tell you. A compilation of experiences shared directly by women from various STEM fields, this book shares their trials, tribulations, and strategies that helped them overcome. These include walking readers through the various soft skills needed. Contrary to what many think about highly technical sectors like STEM, these skills are just as valuable as hard ones. As discussed in our article titled Why Critical Thinking is a Skill All Developers Should Have, such capabilities allow professionals to be more innovative, creative, and adept at problem-solving. These are extremely valuable, especially among women who may feel like they’re under more pressure.
Where to get your ebooks
eBooks are a fantastic professional resource, primarily because of their unmatched accessibility. For instance, platforms like Everand make it easy to access a diverse array of titles across genres such as STEM, leadership, and gender studies. This includes renowned works like The Exceptions: Nancy Hopkins and the Fight for Women in Science by Kate Zernike, a New York Times Notable Book, and The End of Gender: Debunking the Myths about Sex and Identity in Our Society by acclaimed neuroscientist Debra Soh. With just a single platform accessible on virtually any device, readers can dive into countless valuable titles anytime and anywhere.
One major advantage of eBooks is that they can be accessed offline, making it convenient to read whether you’re relaxing at home or working offsite. Additionally, eBooks are often budget-friendly. Many platforms offer affordable subscriptions, and some even provide free access. For instance, the Libby app allows users to “borrow” eBooks at no cost if they have a valid library card and the desired title is available. This feature is especially beneficial for those starting their careers who may be working within a limited budget.
Conclusion
These three recommended eBooks serve as valuable resources for women starting or advancing their careers in STEM. Each book offers unique insights, practical advice, and inspiring stories that can help you navigate challenges, develop essential skills, and feel empowered in your journey. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical expertise, strengthen your leadership abilities, or gain perspective on gender dynamics in STEM, these eBooks provide the knowledge and support you need to grow both personally and professionally.
As you continue your journey, remember that eBooks are an easily accessible, cost-effective way to keep learning. Platforms like Everand and Libby make it simple to explore diverse titles and expand your understanding, all from the convenience of your own device. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of a good book in helping you unlock new opportunities and achieve your goals in STEM.
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