I built my career on merit, not on my gender.
Math and sciences were like a game to me, so entering engineering seemed a natural move. I graduated in Civil Engineering in France. We were 7 female students out of 45 students. I went to PhD, then joined Academia, and things became even more challenging: I have always been the first female in all the academic ranks in my place.
Was it a disadvantage? Clearly, yes. Engineering in Academia in France 20 years ago (when I started my career) was a male world. Patronizing and sexist behaviors were the daily lot. Most people either sincerely believe discrimination against women does not exist, or do not care.
I decided once and for all that I would not have to sacrifice a thing: my career would be successful, my personal life would be fantastic and I would be a wonderful mother. All this while continuing to be up to date on fashion/hairstyle/yoga and pilates…
Therefore, I worked hard, really hard, because there was no other way. Step by step I built confidence in my skills. I got used to the idea of being the only woman in the room and answered with a smile to the “Can I get a coffee?” typical question (answer is “Yes, please, bring me a double espresso”).
Studies show that women tend to wait to have 100% of the required skills to move up, when most male believe that 30% is enough. I made a point in making the statistics wrong, joined or took executive management committees and positions when I saw the opportunity. And I did very well.
Other older female professors, more established in academia, have not been very helpful. When I would have thanked for some tips, I found a Queen Bee approach more than often. Fortunately things have changed: my generation understood the importance of mentoring younger female students and colleagues. I practice this every day.
One final very important tip: to be successful in your career, you will need to be happy in your personal life, including receiving full support from your companion. Hence the importance of choosing well.
-Dr. Sylvie Lorente, Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Villanova University
Comments