Why a STEM degree is the best decision I’ve made. by @sheclimbsladder

by Linda Huth | Featured Contributor 

I remember sitting in college during one of my first computer coding classes. It was the lab portion of the class and there were about twenty students. However, I was the only female. It hit me, I was in a male-dominated field, and I better get used to it.

In college, I chose to major in Computer Graphics Technology with a focus in web design and development. This meant, that I not only knew how to design things but I could code them as well. I enjoyed learning the back end of websites. How everything would go together. It was all a big logic puzzle, figuring out how to arrange the code so that I could get the result I wanted.

I am so glad that I pursued a STEM degree and I think that other women should as well.

Technology is exciting.

First of all, working with technology is cool and exciting. Want to work on autonomous cars? Want to figure out how to make the next Facebook? Well, you need to learn how to work with technology. Technology is here to stay and the more you know about it, can work with it, and develop with it, the better off you will be.

Majoring in a STEM field (something in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) allows you to do just that. A STEM degree will give you the foundation on which to build your career. You will usually get to work with the newest technology and you have the opportunity to always be learning something new. The best part, you don’t have to be a pasty white nonsocial computer geek to be a STEM major. You can be a cheerleader, soccer player, flute player, or theater geek. There is no stereotype that you need to fall into a passion for technology and learning is all you need.

I am in demand.

I am a female, I write code, and I do it well. This means I’m always in demand in the workforce. I bring diversity to male-dominated teams and a unique perspective. Did you know that having women on your team can actually help you perform better? Having a diverse team is good for you, your team, and your company.

This positioning gives me the opportunity to choose jobs that will get me closer to my career goals. I don’t have to take what is available and I don’t have to stay in a job that won’t advance my career either. I’ve always had options and options are a good thing.

I get to be a role model for younger girls.

It’s hard to vision your future if you’ve never seen anyone do something like it before. By being in a STEM career I get to be a role model for other girls. I can show them that you can excel in school and get a great full time job in the career you want. That you can still get married and it’s even ok to make more than your spouse.

Women are underrepresented in STEM careers and I love that I can be a “normal” role model for the girls around me.

Final Thoughts

Do you love technology? Are you considering a STEM degree?

Linda Huth

Linda Huth is an IT and software development expert and the founder of www.sheclimbstheladder.com.

During the day you can find Linda leading development teams through the daily grind of the corporate world. By night she can be found sharing what she’s learned on her blog. She enjoys being a female leader in the corporate world and hopes to be a resource for others doing the same.

In her free time, Linda can be found at her local Crossfit gym or working on one of her many home remodeling projects.