These misconceptions explain why women hold only 2 in 10 tech jobs

Photo credit: Khusen Rustamov.

We are entering what is widely referred to as the fourth industrial revolution, an era where the development of new materials and breakthroughs in the field of genetic engineering and digital transformation are increasingly blurring the lines between the physical, biological, and digital worlds.

With multiple industries being disrupted, those without the relevant skills for the future workplace are at risk. The bad news is that this disruption will likely impact women disproportionately and negatively, according to a World Economic Forum study. One key reason is their under-representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) jobs, which are expected to have the most growth in the next five years.

Diversity and inclusion are widely recognized as important competitive strengths. This also means there is a tremendous opportunity for women to play a central role in driving innovation and progress.

According to LinkedIn’s list of the Most Promising Jobs of 2017, the top 20 occupations require STEM skills. Despite the opportunities, though, there remains a persistent gender gap. Globally, UNESCO estimates that only about three in 10 researchers in science, technology, and innovation are female, while LinkedIn estimated that women account for only about two in 10 tech jobs.

What could be deterring more girls and young women from entering a field that offers the skills and knowledge that could change the world? Here are four common misperceptions:

1. STEM education only matters at higher education levels

In reality, STEM is an interdisciplinary approach toward educating students in the four specific disciplines. Rather than separate subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning model based on real-world applications.

Increasingly considered a fundamental skill for basic education and a job, STEM also opens doors for young women to higher education and exciting jobs. A path in STEM could pave the way to a wide spectrum of fields including Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Solar Energy Technology, and Robotics Technology. On a more fundamental level, learning STEM subjects provides critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be needed across all jobs in the future.

2. STEM skills are only useful for STEM jobs

In a technology-driven world, a vast majority of jobs require STEM skills in one form or another. Globally, companies and organizations are also evolving the way they operate and do business. Part of that evolution involves recruiting key talent—men and women with the mental agility to help businesses succeed.

For girls and young women pursuing a path in STEM, critical thinking and problem-solving skills will be highly sought after in the future economy. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimates that a third of future jobs across all industries will require problem-solving skills. Armed with such skills, along with fresh perspectives and new ideas, women are set to drive change in big ways.

3. STEM is boring and doesn’t involve creativity

4. Men are more likely to succeed in STEM fields than women