Shattering the Ceiling: The New Wave of STEM
As a high school student in New York, Amelia Goodman received some poor career advice. She was told to stick to English and other creative arts and to not to bother exploring science or math. Fortunately she didn’t listen. While Goodman’s path to STEM may not have been a straightforward shot it is safe to say that she has finally arrived. This summer the University of Pennsylvania student will be working as a software engineer at Apple.
Although she didn’t come from a family of computer science majors, Goodman said her parents were encouraging about her career plans. When applying to colleges she was drawn to U Penn because she said she felt she could learn a lot and be surrounded by like-minded people. This proved to be true and once there she found a support group of women. She also found a mentor in Rita Powell, the associate director of U Penn’s Computer and Information department. Finding a mentor may be one of the keys to success, especially for women and minorities. Times may be changing, but Goodman said young women and other minorities are still not receiving enough encouragement and support to pursue careers in STEM. “It’s hard to feel like you belong when you don’t see other people who look like you. People often make small, rude, discouraging remarks that add up and make us want to pursue something else that’s more comfortable.”
Mentorship is important, Goodman said. So is persistence. Her advice to other young women starting in the field? “Keep going! Being a minority in CS is hard but its getting better and that’s because of us. Finding other people in CS who support you will help you feel more comfortable and help you get through the hurdles we face. It’ll give you the energy to support others and keep the community diverse.”
As the field continues to evolve and grow, Goodman said women need to find their voice in order to push for change. “Be honest, vocal, and supportive as often as you have the energy to do so. Being honest lets others know that we’re all in this together, being vocal lets you describe what isn’t working for you and reminds us all of what we’re working for, and being supportive lets others do the same.”
Goodman plans on graduating from U Penn in 2017 with a double major in Computer Science and Gender Studies. She is unsure what she’ll do after graduation. “Maybe software engineering, maybe project management, maybe starting something of my own.”
We look forward to seeing what the future may hold for Goodman and others like her. Interested in learning more about STEM and its many opportunities? Contact us today to find out more!