Career Choices for Girls
Remember the infamous statement made by former Harvard University president, Lawrence Summers, that females do not have the same abilities as men, thus the reason for the shortage of women in math and science? Many women--and men--won't soon forget that insensitive comment. If you have a young daughter at home, you would certainly take offense to someone suggesting that she won't succeed in a certain field because of her gender. If you have a son at home, you would also take offense to someone suggesting that he won't succeed in a certain field because of his gender. The idea that girls should have a different set of career choices than boys is preposterous and antiquated. True, there are female-dominated fields, and there are male-dominated fields. But, that doesn't mean that you should pursue a career based on its gender-domination. Pursue a career because it fulfills your interest and satisfies your professionally.
Other People Are Reading
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Girls vs. Boys
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Today, women make up almost half of the labor force and are breaking through the sexist stereotypes of "That's a man's job" and are paving the way for others to follow. In the last couple of years, we have seen some historical female firsts: female presidential candidate (Hillary Clinton, 2008), first female Speaker of the House (Nancy Pelosi, 2007)), the first female poet laureate (Carol Ann Duffy, 2008), the first black female CEO of Fortune 500 company (Ursula Burns, Xerox, 2009) and the first female to rise to the level of four-star general in the Unites States military (Ann Dunwoody, 2008). These women represent the dreams and ambitions of millions of little girls and young women around the world; each has set a precedence in each of her respective fields--work hard, succeed, and you too, can achieve your goals regardless of whether you are a male or female.
The Sciences
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It is a fact that there are more males than females in fields such as mathematics and statistics. According to a survey conducted by the American Mathematical Society in 2006, there were 1,245 new U.S. doctoral recipients but only 32 percent were women. While mathematics might be lagging in attracting more female candidates, over the years the medical field, once a male-dominated field, has slowly been closing the gap. For example, women accounted for 49 percent of medical school applicants and 48.3 percent of those accepted in 2007-2008.
Aside from mathematicians and physicians, you can pursue a career in science as a chemist, botanist, computer scientist or even an astrophysicist. And, you don't have to be a Ph.D or an M.D. to enjoy a career in science. There are many other capacities you can work in such as a research assistant or a lab technologist. Explore all of the opportunities available to you.
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Arts and Humanities
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A career in the arts and humanities field is broad and extremely varied. Choosing a career in this field will give you many options to choose from. If you have a liberal arts background, then you have most likely been exposed to a number of subjects or interests that fall within the arts and humanities. The options are endless; follow your passion, your interests and your skills, and you will find a rewarding career. Here are a few types of careers or jobs you might be able to choose from: actor, singer, drama teacher, sculptors, authors and creative writers, sociologists, philosophy professor, art history teacher, composer and poet. Remember, each position requires different levels of education, mostly higher education.
Fly Girls
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Aviation, long thought of as a male career, has actually included women since early on. The first female pilot in the United States flew in 1911. It took several years for the military to recognize female pilots--the Navy was the first branch to do so. According to the National Naval Aviation Museum, the first woman to become a naval aviator was Barbara Ann Allen in 1974. And, the United States Army recognizes Col. Sally D. Murphy as the Army's first helicopter pilot, also in 1974. Once women entered air space, the sky--or the moon rather--was the limit. NASA states that Sally Ride became the first female astronaut to travel to space 1983. Today, NASA has 21 female astronauts.
A career in aviation doesn't just include military pilots and astronauts. There are several other options like helicopter pilots, commercial airline pilots, aviation engineers, air traffic controllers and flight attendents.
Let's Build It
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According to the National Association of Women In Construction Management, "construction-related jobs account for approximate 66% of all jobs in the U.S. architecture, construction management, landscape design." Only 9.6 percent of these jobs are held by women. But, don't let the statistic deter you from a building career. More and more women are taking jobs in construction, as laborers, forewoman, or managers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2004, women accounted for 13 percent of architecture and engineering positions, including chemical engineers, architects, and civil engineers. So, if you want to pursue a career in engineering or architecture, there's plenty of room for you; you'll probably be warmly welcomed by your female colleagues.
Bottom Line
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The idea of gender-specific careers is ludicrous. It is true, however, that there are female-dominated careers and male-dominated careers. That doesn't mean the door is closed to either. When you are pondering your career choices and wondering what avenue to take, it is important to reach out to the colleagues working in your prospective field. Many professionals will be willing to talk to you about the career and the paths they took. This networking will be invaluable to you as you start out in your career and just as invaluable to you as you move ahead professionally.
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