Dispelling myths about career fields
Small group report
- What is engineering? As an industry, engineering should do a better job of defining what is engineering as should chemistry, biology, etc.
- A number of different opportunities and by explaining different fields and how they relate – you are not pigeon-holed easily
- NSTA/CAST conferences – educate teachers knowing that you can mix interests - Corporate sponsors should attend to help pass info to students
- Knowledge about college programs that promote women
- Begin with elementary teachers, attacking some of these gender biased textbooks
- Nerd=Boss – change the perception. Stop selling math/science as nerd field. Sassy, well-dressed women can also be engineers. Pocket protectors can be an accessory.
- Architect gets more attention, but the construction folks sometimes make more money
- Can you make my coffee, yes after you do this work I assigned to you.
- Engineers are problem solvers – use this definition until we have a better one
- Hands on – translate your textbook education and lectures into an activity
- Educate Educators
- It's never too late – always time to involve girls in math/science. Don't give up on high school girls.
- Teamwork with them and get into seminars to help cultivate future employees
- Also need to educate legislators
- It is never too late
- High school is not too late for girls to get involved with math and science
- We should never discourage a girl from going down those paths
- One good experience can change the career direction of a girl
- Business people also need to be educated.
