STEM careers in 2024 are no longer simply concerned with technological innovation – but also about inclusion. According to MetLife’s latest survey on Women and STEM, 60% of women find careers in science, technology, engineering, and math appealing, a 6% increase from last year. This surge in interest arrives at a crucial time when nearly 9 in 10 STEM employers report an anticipated talent shortage, and most admit they need to do more to close the gap.
Why are more women drawn to STEM?
Part of what’s drawing women into STEM fields is the promise of disruption. The opportunity to drive innovation and challenge the status quo is a powerful motivator for many women considering these careers. According to MetLife’s survey, STEM employees are far more likely than their non-STEM counterparts to say their organizations embrace disruption (62% versus 44%).
Women, in particular, are eager to work in environments that encourage forward-thinking ideas. The survey revealed that 64% of women prefer working for companies that embrace disruption. This desire for change goes hand in hand with their belief that disruption is not just about technology – it’s about creating more inclusive opportunities in the workplace. Sixty percent of women believe that disruptive innovations are key to fostering greater inclusion within organizations.
As companies face the challenge of filling their STEM roles, women represent a critical part of the solution. By tapping into this growing interest, employers can not only address talent shortages but also create a more inclusive workforce that drives innovation.
MetLife TTX Conference: Harnessing disruption for a better future
In response to the growing importance of women in STEM and the role disruption plays in driving inclusion, MetLife is hosting its sixth annual Triangle Tech X (TTX) Conference on October 1 and 2. This free, virtual event will bring together top leaders and changemakers in STEM to explore how disruption can help create a more inclusive and innovative future for the industry.
The event will feature a host of influential speakers, including (main image, right to left) celebrated Olympic swimmer and STEM advocate Katie Ledecky, alongside other notable leaders such as Vivian Tu, founder of Your Rich BFF, and Sylvia Acevedo, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. With discussions centered around the theme “The Disruption Advantage: Powering Inclusion and Innovation in STEM,” attendees will dive into how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and other disruptive forces can level the playing field for women in STEM.
Disruption as a tool for inclusion
The concept of disruption is often associated with upheaval or major shifts, but in the STEM world, it’s becoming a key tool for inclusion. For many women, the ability to shake things up in traditionally male-dominated fields is part of the allure of STEM careers. As disruption democratises technology, it creates new opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and make meaningful contributions.
However, while many women are eager to embrace disruption, challenges remain. A lack of female role models and mentors in STEM continues to be a significant barrier. Additionally, past research has shown that women in STEM are more likely to leave the workforce due to burnout, limited advancement opportunities, and pay inequities.
Addressing these issues is vital if organisations want to attract and retain top female talent. Increasing the number of women in STEM isn’t just about filling vacancies; it’s about fostering an environment where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. According to the survey, 65% of employees believe that increasing the representation of women in STEM roles would lead to greater disruptive thinking in the industry.
MetLife 2024 Survey: Empowering women on the road ahead
The findings from MetLife’s 2024 survey highlight a pivotal moment for women in STEM. As the industry grapples with a talent shortage, women represent a largely untapped resource that could not only help close the gap but also drive the future of innovation. Employers must seize this moment by creating environments that encourage disruption and prioritise inclusion.
MetLife’s Triangle Tech X Conference will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the conversation around these issues. By spotlighting the intersection of disruption and inclusion, the event aims to empower women to continue breaking barriers and lead the charge in the future of STEM.
Initiatives like these make it clear that the future of STEM is not just about technology – it’s about building a diverse, inclusive workforce equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. And with more women showing interest in STEM careers than ever before, that future looks brighter by the day.
