Despite the steeply growing demand in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), women make up only 28% of the global STEM workforce and 22% of artificial intelligence (AI) professionals. The gender gap remains significant.
In forward-looking fields such as AI, diversity of thought is invaluable to driving greater innovation and accelerating economic growth. But how do we encourage divergent thinking?
By closing the gender gap.
“EDEXPERIENCE EDU empowers more than 10 million students every year with our solutions as part of their curriculum, and it goes from students in secondary education, starting as young as middle school with SOLIDWORKS,” explained Valérie Ferret, vice president of 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Dassault Systèmes. “We have a big footprint. Now, what is a woman’s footprint within this footprint? I would say it’s exactly the same as a woman’s footprint in STEM. Not enough.”
STEM fields are ripe with opportunity and boast some of the fastest rates of global growth. The high-demand, rewarding careers in STEM fields offer attractive pathways for women. In turn, STEM fields benefit from the diversity women bring when they welcome them in.
So, what are some STEM careers with the best prospects for growth that women can consider exploring? What’s the big deal about having more women in STEM? And, of course, the million-dollar question: how can women break into these male-dominated industries?
Well, read on to find out.
Overview of Growing STEM Careers for Women:
| Career Paths | Number of Jobs | Percentage of Women in this field | Expected job growth rate (2023-2033) |
| Data Science | 202,900 | 15% to 22% | 36% |
| AI and Machine Learning | 16,000 | 29.4% | 21% |
| Engineering (All Disciplines) | 5,377,740 | 17% | 9% |
| Environmental Science | 84,600 | 32% | 7% |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BCG Report, Society of Women Engineers, World Economic Forum, LinkedIn
Why women’s representation in STEM matters
Bank of America estimates that in the next 25 years, over 50% of global wealth will belong to women. For industries to stay future-ready in an economy that will be increasingly influenced by women, having women at the decision-making table is vital. Women provide richness in perspective that will help companies better cater to the needs of diverse societies. A diverse workforce brings different viewpoints, leading to greater innovation. With AI rapidly changing industries, the challenges of today and tomorrow require input from all voices.
“We need to be globally telling the story of how science drives humanity’s progress,” emphasized Ferret. “And as a society, it is important that we attract the entirety of our population, 50% of men and 50% of women into these kinds of careers.”
Representation also matters for the next generation. When young girls see women succeeding in STEM, it expands their vision of what’s possible and inspires them to explore careers they might not have otherwise considered.
“I had no image of a woman in STEM before I joined the company,” Ferret shared. “And that’s an issue. When you ask women to name a female role model in STEM, most of them will tell you Marie Curie, and she’s from the 19th Century! Thankfully, more and more role models are stepping into leadership positions now, not just in our company, but across the industry. However, we need these role models to become more visible to inspire the younger generation, especially young women.”
Role models are powerful; increasing the visibility of women in these male-dominated fields helps to challenge stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.
With that being said, STEM’s vast scope can feel overwhelming at first. Where do you even begin? To help, here are 5 fast-expanding STEM fields among women that make excellent starting points.
5 fast-growing STEM fields among women
Data Science
Data scientists turn data into insights that drive smarter decision-making. With more and more industries relying on data-driven strategies, demand for data scientists is fast growing. They’re versatile, high-impact roles that blend tech skills with creative problem-solving. For women interested in pursuing a career in AI, data science offers a dynamic path where curiosity and innovation thrive. As more women enter this field, they are redefining what it means to lead in tech. Ready to join them?
Data Science Job Titles:
- Data Scientist
- Statistician
- Applications Architect
- Business Intelligence Engineer
- Data Analyst
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI professionals develop systems that recognize patterns by learning from data sets. Their work powers tools such as smart chat assistants, recommendation engines, fraud detection capabilities and even medical diagnostics. AI and Machine Learning are rapidly changing everything from the way we work to the way we live. Yet, only 22% of AI professionals globally are women. That’s a huge gap in who gets to reshape the future. Increasing the prevalence and prominence of women in AI and Machine Learning is vital to ensuring inclusive and effective solutions that serve everyone.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning Job Titles:
- Machine Learning Engineer
- AI Engineer
- AI Researcher
- AI Product Manager
- Natural Language Processing Specialist
Engineering (All Disciplines)
Engineering powers the world around us. From bridges and power grids to clean water systems and transportation networks, disciplines like mechanical, electrical, systems and civil engineering are the backbone of global infrastructure. Today, there is a growing push for more women to join engineering and fuel greater innovation. Newer fields, such as robotics engineering, are opening doors to exciting opportunities to be at the cutting edge of technological advancements. Whatever it may be that you aspire to create, engineering offers limitless potential to shape the future. And the best part? Women are starting to lead the way forward.
Engineering Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Computer Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Robotics Engineer
Sustainability and Environmental Sciences
As the effects of climate change loom over our future, the need for sustainability experts and environmental scientists is becoming increasingly critical. These professionals lead efforts to protect ecosystems and ensure the continuity of a circular economy. This is a field in which science meets purpose: leave your footprint in the world by leaving less of a carbon footprint. For those driven by a desire to make a difference, sustainability careers offer a fulfilling pathway that allows you to shape a healthier, more resilient world.
Sustainability and Environmental Sciences Job Titles:
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Engineer
- Ecologist
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Sustainability Manager
- Renewable Energy Analyst
Life Sciences
Studying life processes from the smallest organisms to major cell activities such as disease, the field of life sciences is the driver behind medical and pharmaceutical innovation. Those in life science careers study complex cellular interactions to gain insights that work toward improving healthcare treatments. It informs the development of precision medicine which looks beyond symptoms to uncover the root cause of health issues. Life sciences breathe life into those who need it most. For women seeking an intellectually stimulating and life-giving career to venture into, a job in life sciences might very well be a perfect fit!
Life Sciences Job Titles:
- Epidemiologist
- Bioinformatics Scientist
- Microbiologist
- Molecular and Cellular Biologist
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
Common challenges women face in STEM and how to overcome them
In STEM, the world is your oyster. But for women, STEM can be a particularly tough oyster to crack open. There are systemic challenges women face in male-dominated fields that can hinder their growth and success. The lack of mentorship also limits career advancement. With such a low percentage of women in STEM, finding a mentor who will advocate for you can be difficult. Additionally, unequal pay scales continue to plague the field, with women in STEM earning less than their male counterparts for the same role.
Here are 2 key strategies to overcome gender gap barriers to success:
- Join initiatives and organizations that focus on closing the gender gap in STEM
Purposefully seek out professional groups both within your company and outside that are specially created to support women. These platforms not only offer resources and training, but also provide supportive communities that understand and share your experiences. By networking within professional organizations, more career opportunities will open up, giving you greater access to strategies for overcoming obstacles.
- Find a role model
Having a mentor to look up to who understands your journey can provide clarity, confidence and career direction. For Ferret, watching her role models excel at their work “allowed me to think that it was possible to grow as an executive in Dassault Systèmes.” But role models shouldn’t just apply to executives at the very top, but at every managerial level.
“I truly believe that role models exist not only at the executive level but also within middle management,” Ferret said. “Whenever you join the company as a young professional, you may admire the top female executives, but they can seem inaccessible. That’s why I’m always cautious with solely focusing on high-profile role models.. Without relatable examples, you’re not creating a massive transformation effect because the reaction might be, ‘Oh, that’s one out of thousands. It’s not reachable.’”
Identifying a role model at every corporate level is essential for shaping your perspective toward viewing success as an attainable goal. For many, this mindset shift is the biggest glass ceiling to break.
The reskilling revolution and how to prepare for a STEM career
With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, STEM is bursting with exciting opportunities, especially in areas like AI and sustainability. But how can women who are just entering the workforce or seeking a career pivot gain a foot into the door in this industry? One great way to start is by exploring relevant courses on 3DEXPERIENCE Edu–a passport to future employability certified by Dassault Systèmes. Whether you have 3 hours or 3 months to spare, there is a certification for your needs. With topics ranging from product management to structural engineering, 3DEXPERIENCE Edu offers an accessible way to learn the know-how in STEM from an industry leader.
Another excellent method of gaining a foot in the door is by mastering SOLIDWORKS, the industry standard software for design and engineering. SOLIDWORKS’ various programs cater to all learning levels, including kids, enabling anyone to kickstart their upskilling journey early with the most widely used 3D CAD platform. With discounted student rates, free training resources, and access to community networks, this is an effective avenue to seek out opportunities within the STEM industry.
“We face significant challenges, particularly around sustainability, and the rapid emergence of new technologies like AI,” said Ferret. “We know AI will bring profound transformations. Continuous education is absolutely critical, and the key question is: where do we focus our upskilling efforts? For us in EDU, it’s a key question.”
Ferret mentioned listed partnerships with Coursera and edX to enable accessible online upskilling, and collaborations with industry customers to support universities and upskilling programs around the world, as meaningful ways to help give more people access to new technologies.
“With the disruptive impact of emerging innovations on jobs, it’s essential to build strong partnerships,” she said. “Dassault Systèmes is a partner at heart. We want to help our customers to drive innovation, and in the same way, we’re committed to partnering with them to empower their people through learning.”
The ultimate barrier breaker: inspiring girls at an early age to get into STEM
To truly make strides in achieving gender parity in STEM, the journey begins early. Inspiring young girls to see STEM as a viable and rewarding career path is key. When girls feel empowered to pursue a STEM career, it fosters a growing sense of confidence and capability that carries into adulthood and the workforce.
“Our opportunity to encourage young women to go into STEM really lies within secondary education,” Ferret explained, “It’s about creating programs that inspire girls to choose science-related fields of study and careers. I believe in learning through projects, collaboration, and hands-on experiences. FIRST Robotics in the U.S. is a very good example of that.”
She emphasized the importance of integrating such programs into the school curriculum. “If these experiences aren’t part of regular school time, we risk losing a significant number of potential STEM leaders. The challenge is transforming our programs to ensure that project-based learning, collaboration, and competition become mainstream in the learning process.”
Conclusion
Data science, artificial intelligence, engineering disciplines, and environmental science fields are ripe with opportunities with immense potential for impact. These aren’t just jobs, these are vital professions that solve real-world problems.
“We need to build a narrative that highlights how science and engineering is making a positive impact on society. I think the young people, especially now, all want to have an impact. And this is great,” affirmed Ferret. “They feel empowered to have their voices heard whether that’s through podcasts or other platforms. Now, let’s make sure that they also feel empowered to create and make a difference.”
With the growing demand for skilled experts in STEM, narrowing the gender gap in these fields should be a priority. Doing so would unlock enormous social and economic benefits by bringing diverse perspectives to the table. And that benefit isn’t exclusive to women, it benefits everyone. One small step for women is one giant leap for mankind.
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Elizabeth Koh