She was nine months pregnant and three days from her son’s due date, but Erica Nelson Zaugg, a senior engineering student, wouldn’t miss the Women’s Career Conversations luncheon.
“I was hoping he wouldn’t come early so I could come and network!” she said.
Women students in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) majors gathered in the Hinckley Center on Friday, February 6 to enjoy lunch and to hear from a panel of women working in STEM positions in academia and industry.
Many students wanted to know how the panelists balanced their families and their careers. Stacey Smith, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and manager for the X-ray Diffraction Facility, has a five-month old son and couldn’t take leave the semester her son was born, so her husband, an accountant, did instead.
“It’s less of a balance and more of a juggling act,” she said. “There’s a limit to multitasking. You have to decide what is most important for you at the moment and focus on that.”
Students also asked how to maintain their confidence in traditionally male-dominated fields. Sarah Rollins, an acoustician and technology designer at Spectrum Engineers, reminded the women that their accomplishments are just as impressive as their male counterparts.
“Own it and stand up for yourself,” she said. “You have the same degree as a man does. There’s no reason to be intimidated.”
Rella Christensen, the co-founder of Clinical Research Associates and the current team leader of Technologies in Restoratives and Caries Research, encouraged students to embrace their competition in the field as a good thing.
“Competition is there regardless,” she said. “It’s a thing you have to learn to manage. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t worry about being criticized. Sometimes the most interesting ideas come from someone else’s harsh criticism.”
On finding a fulfilling career path, Irene Shpigelman, a senior technologist at Goldman Sachs, advised students that the best thing they can do is “jump in and give it their all.” The best way to differentiate yourself from the competition, she said, is to look for interesting opportunities and to prioritize what you are passionate about.
“And don’t forget to pray!” Smith added. “Heavenly Father will help you find the path that’s right for you.”