Studying a STEM subject as a woman

Ravan: “New challenges, new knowledge that is acquired, and interests that are (re)discovered again and again”.

Judith: “The platitude of practical content such as excursions as well as field and practical laboratory courses. This means I spend a lot of time outdoors and I enjoy that!”

Julia: “The diversity. Some days are very business-heavy, while others seem to be a pure mechanical engineering degree. But that also allows you to design your studies to your own liking.”

Helena: “During your studies, you are almost forced to develop yourself. You learn to be independent and how to deal with failure.”

Julia: “It broadens my horizons and helps me understand the world around me a little better. Things I never thought about are suddenly of great importance and become very interesting.”

Judith: “It gives me self-confidence and shows me that I can do something superbly and challenges me mentally.”

Julia: “Regarding written exams, this is not an issue, but as a woman you have to prove yourself first. A woman has to prove that she can do it, that she delivers just as much and is just as robust as a man is. Most of the time this does not stand out directly in lectures, but during practical trainings or in exercise groups it does.”

Helena: "It depends. It often happens that you are underestimated as a woman. If that means that they expect more or perhaps even less of you cannot be said across the board.

Helena: “Definitely. Both from fellow students (ALWAYS boys) and professors. I often had to listen to statements like ”You have to be smart for that“, ”Can you do that at all“ or ”Why don't you do something with a teaching degree instead?”

Ravan: “Fortunately, not yet.”

Judith: "I have not noticed any of that in my subject area so far – fortunately. Even during our field placements and excursions, where you have to be physically active sometimes, I always felt like I was treated equally.

Judith: “Before I started studying, two male acquaintances (my age!) asked me whether I really thought I could do it (as a woman), because there would be a lot of physics and other things involved. When people have low expectations of you, you can only exceed them.

Julia: ”Women are (unfortunately) still in the minority, which means that it is often easier to get internships, student trainee positions, etc., or that you are treated preferentially.

Ravan: “As it is mostly men who work in the construction industry, women are even more in demand.”

Helena: ”At the moment, I think my chances in the job market as a woman are good. Nevertheless, difficulties can arise, such as having children, which make it difficult to start a career.“

Judith: ”I find it difficult to assess that. I am afraid of being disadvantaged as a woman later on and not being able to defend myself against it. I also lack a female role model who can be my mentor. In general, I am a very good student and can prove that with various documents. However, I do not know if that will help me, I can only hope so."

It becomes clear that each of us has had a different experience. This is bound to happen once a woman steps food into the working force and is confronted with it one way or another. But everyone grows with their own tasks and learns how to deal with them.

Women in STEM are confronted with other problems than our male fellow students – but we do what we enjoy. We do what our interests and strengths are and thus contribute to an equal society. The more women get involved and show men what they can do, the easier it will be in the future. Every woman should do what she likes and follow her passion.