Morgan Payne
EDI Content Writer, WISE
Entering the workforce can be challenging, especially in fields where women are underrepresented. In STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), women make up just 26% of the workforce.1
Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) invites 12 young professionals each year to form the WISE Young Professionals Board (YPB), to support the organisation’s mission to improve gender equity in STEM.
Inspiring young professionals to pursue STEM
Board members build partnerships within the sector to collaborate on projects and attend events to inspire girls and women to pursue STEM careers. Last year, they worked with publisher HarperCollins to create textbooks with real-life role models and career opportunities in maths and science. The Board and its alumni are among many role models showcased on the WISE My Skills My Life platform, which aims to inspire girls to consider STEM careers by matching their personality types with role models.
My confidence has grown. I have
developed people management, strategy,
budget and public speaking skills.
How has it benefitted young professionals?
Creating a network of like-minded peers for support can be invaluable for personal and professional development. Participants of the YPB share their experiences below.
Susie Little: “Being part of the Young Professionals Board has allowed me to connect with an inspiring group of women whose dedication and achievements have motivated me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Jesie Dyos: “I have been exposed to so many learning and growing opportunities such as leading the communications workstream which developed my leadership skills.”
Offering opportunities and personal growth
Board members have further developed their skills and focused their passions on areas that they care about and want to make an impact.
Ruth Scott-Bolt: “Being part of the Young Professionals Board has offered me the opportunity to learn and be creative in a ‘give-it-a-go’ environment. It has provided me with incredible fulfilment, growth and sense of purpose.”
Kathryn Malcolm: “My confidence has grown. I have developed people management, strategy, budget and public speaking skills. I have learned so much from my colleagues on the Board, WISE and the many people I have met through the network.”
[1] WISE. 2024. WISE Annual Statistics Round Up.
