GENDER imbalance in Scotland’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector is to be addressed at a major conference.
STEM Women are inviting more than 160 female students who are hoping to start careers in the sector to a huge networking event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, sponsored by business services group EY.
The event will enable students to meet big names from a range of STEM employers face-to-face and take part in an in-depth panel session with women who already work in the sector.
Among the companies already signed up to take part are EY, BlackRock, Diageo, Network Rail, Zonal and Accenture.
Just over a fifth (22%) of the STEM workforce in the UK is female, according to the Office for National Statistics Labour Force Survey.
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Many companies are looking to address this gender imbalance, but it can be difficult for recruiters to find the right candidates to fill the roles.
The STEM Women Edinburgh Community Event will try to bridge the gap between talented graduates and employers, starting conversations and boosting equality in the future workforce.
Students will meet with top employers to talk about job vacancies, ask industry-specific questions and network.
Chika Chima, a student from the University of East Anglia, who attended a STEM Women event last year, said: “I thought the event was fantastic. Hearing about how the speakers on the panel got their jobs was really encouraging to me and making those connections was a great opportunity for me.
“It’s great to be able to say you know someone who is in the field you want to be in.”
Isobel, from KPMG, who exhibited at a STEM Women autumn event last year, said: “I think that STEM is a very diverse and evolving field that has a lot more potential in the future.
“I think women are currently severely underrepresented within the industry and we need to be more proactive in destigmatising the idea that STEM is only for boys and it is, in fact, her future.”
Last year, more than 1000 female STEM students attended STEM Women autumn events. As well as the Edinburgh Careers Event, STEM Women are hosting similar careers events across the UK that are perfect for female graduates.
“Last year we exhibited in Glasgow and completely sold out, there was only standing room available,” said Sophie Chadwick, STEM Women events manager. “We are delighted that this year’s event will be held in Edinburgh for the first time and held in a much larger venue.”
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