The Future is Female: The Rising Role of Women in STEM

At Herzing University, we’re proud to champion the rising role of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — career paths collectively known as STEM. Women’s unique perspectives and ideas are essential in driving progress and fostering an innovative, future-focused spirit. As such, it’s encouraging to see the number of women in STEM is on the rise. This exciting trend will continue as more young girls are inspired to explore these subjects in school and as more companies recognize the importance of having women not just on the team, but in leadership positions, as well.

STEM offers some of the most dynamic career possibilities, brimming with discovery and opportunity. With a projected growth rate of 10.8% into the next decade, the demand for skilled professionals in STEM is undeniable. Yet, despite this rapid growth, women remain significantly underrepresented, making up only 35% of STEM workers, while making up 48% of the overall workforce.

At Herzing University, we are committed to changing this narrative. Through our flexible online career programs, we are helping empower more women to start or advance their careers in STEM, ensuring they have the support, access, and resources needed to excel in these cutting-edge fields.

Why We Need More Women in STEM

Growing Demand. STEM’s rapid growth and evolution have increased the demand for workers and expertise. The number of women in the workforce is consistently increasing and at a faster rate than men. They have made a strong return to the post-pandemic workforce with more women working now than pre-pandemic. Additionally, women are attending and graduating college at higher rates than men across all degree levels. Women have made significant progress in their fight for equal representation and it’s time the STEM field recognizes their importance and contributions.

Innovation. The STEM community strives to understand how the world works and tackle its complex challenges through creativity and innovation. Achieving this monumental feat requires input from women. By bringing together unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we unlock greater potential for groundbreaking ideas and discoveries.

Without a blend of diverse voices, identifying and effectively solving critical problems becomes significantly more challenging. Without women in STEM, the world will miss out on a valuable viewpoint and innovation will only suffer.

Business Growth. Research shows that women should be regarded as a competitive advantage and essential to growth. Companies with gender-diverse leadership teams perform better financially than those without and a 12-country study of 1,000 companies found that companies were 27% more likely to have superior value creation and 21% more likely to have above-average profitability when they were in the top quartile for gender diversity compared to those in the bottom quartile.

Conversely, companies with the least gender, ethnic, and cultural diversity were 29% less likely to achieve above-average profitability than all other companies. To attract world-class talent and achieve optimal performance, companies cannot afford to overlook the value women bring to the table.

Earning Potential. STEM careers present women with a significant opportunity for long-term career stability. Fields such as healthcare, engineering, and information technology are essential to society’s functioning and shaping the future. STEM careers also often come with higher-than-average salaries. Women in STEM jobs earn 33% more than those in non-STEM occupations and experience a smaller wage gap relative to men, though pay disparities do still exist. 

These financial benefits play an important role. Not only do they contribute to individual women’s personal and professional growth, but they also help women as a whole achieve greater economic success and security and narrow the gender wage gap. 

How STEM Shapes Our Future

The inclusion of women in STEM is essential for shaping the future of science and innovation. Current female leaders play a pivotal role in supporting the next generation and redefining what the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields look like. As mentors, role models, and advocates, they are a source of inspiration for other women in the field and for young girls who are seeing more female representation in these roles than ever before. Their presence can empower young girls who have an interest in STEM education to envision their own future in a new light.

Herzing University is proud to offer flexible, online programs and pathways that provide women with new, exciting opportunities to achieve their career aspirations through STEM education. Committed to the advancement and empowerment of women in STEM, Herzing strives to create a supportive and motivating environment for women. 

Start your journey today and join the thousands of successful women who have graduated from Herzing University.