Dividing jobs into female and male ones seems not to be the feature of the XXI century. Nowadays, we live in a world where gender equality is one of the main goals of society. Still, it remains one of the most challenging topics when it comes to the discussion of occupations. Should women be engaged in the same spheres as men, even in a dangerous environment? How to ensure equal pay for equal work and avoid female discrimination?
Such fundamental questions are often faced by people working in the spheres that require physical effort and stamina or technical knowledge. But the main goal of modern society is to ruin those destructive stereotypes by ensuring equal opportunities. In this article, we will try to fight those prejudices, at least in the sphere of engineering. Thus, proceed with reading the following text to find out which opportunities are there for women in the field.
Everyone is entitled to work in the sphere he or she is passionate about. Thus, whether you are a professional essay writer, a teacher, an actor, or an engineer, make sure you are on the right path by answering the following questions. Can I express all my potential through this occupation? Does the work feel fulfilling? Am I useful to other people by assisting them or improving their quality of life?
Talking about the sphere of electrical engineering and its perspectives for female workers, it is necessary to explain the features of the field first. An electrical engineer is a specialist responsible for the operation of power supply systems, the development and implementation of a power supply project, and the repair of industrial power equipment. The main duties include:
- working with technical documentation;
- monitoring the production of electrical work;
- regularly checking the condition of electrical equipment
- ensuring smooth operation of the serviced electrical installations.
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is searching for an electrical engineer who would be engaged in dealing with electrical power. The point is to ensure that no electrical power goes out on the ISS. Otherwise, it could lead to a catastrophe. The main task to perform is figuring out the power requirements at space stations.
NASA is also offering internship opportunities for female students. By participating in such programs, they can try to develop hardware code for space launch systems. There are also many other ways through which it becomes possible to get closer to space. For example, conducting astronomy research, learning nuclear thermal propulsion, and assembling circuits.
Microsoft
Another large company that is looking for a well-experienced engineer is Microsoft. And yes, if you have dreamed of working for a multinational corporation, that is a perfect opportunity. Still, make sure you fit the following requirements. The main of them are four or more years of experience and deep knowledge of electrical and power hardware design. If you manage to get hired for this position, you will get a wide array of tasks. Among them are:
- developing cutting-edge interfaces technologies;
- ensuring guidance and assistance in system tests;
- checking systems’ reliability for operating in a cloud environment.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin’s main goal is to take technologies to the most advanced level and prove that there is nothing impossible. So just imagine being a female electronic engineer for such a large and growing team. They already have more than fifty locations in fifty states. Their further goal is to expand internationally even more.
The Missiles and Fire Control Engineering and Technology department is currently looking for an electrical engineer eager to contribute to the development of the organization. The engineers are divided into different groups so you can easily decide which path suits your particular interest. They have electro-mechanical engineers, power system experts, and circuit designers.
There are no people who would not know what Google is. This large multinational corporation has more than 130 thousand employees worldwide. And you have a chance to become a part of this progressive team. If you are interested in electrical engineering positions, it is a unique opportunity.
Of course, among the requirements are a Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience. You also must be skilled in using CAD tools and electrical calculation software. Still, if you are engaged in the sphere, such requirements would not be something unattainable. Google offers this position in various locations around the US. Among them are New York, Reston, McCarran, and Sunnyvale.
If you are successful enough to be hired by this company, your tasks will look the following way:
- developing design of the distribution of electrical power, using Revit or AutoCAD to draft concepts and schemes;
- setting up the models of electrical systems.
So, if your dream has always been to work for Google and take part in creating the platforms for the next generation, do not lose this chance.
Samsung
Another outstanding company that needs talented and expert engineers. The responsibilities which Samsung places on its electrical engineers are the following:
- conducting comprehensive research and evaluating products, circuits, and elements of electrical systems;
- assembling electrical materials to create products that correspond to customer needs;
- ensuring high quality of products;
- maintaining databases of the products through coding.
As for the skills one needs to be accepted as an employee, the company requires extensive expertise in engineering. These include electrical site engineering, expertise in transformers, power electronic design, and lightning.
Apple
Apple is trying to engage the best experts in the field who can contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies. Still, some of the requirements differ from those published by other companies. For example, here, it is enough for you to have 2+ years of experience. You also have to be engaged in the mobile and embedded processors, be able to work with memory systems, and have extensive debug experience.
Among the soft skills required by the company are organizational skills and problem-solving. Communication and openness are also a plus. Moreover, given the fact that most tasks are performed in groups of experts, you must prove you are an effective team player.
Professional Networks
Of course, if you are a skilled professional engineer, it would not be a problem for you to find a dream job. Still, it is always better to be engaged in a group of people who have similar experiences and knowledge. There exist many networks created by women for women where they can share experiences and promote their interests in the job market.
For example, one of the opportunities is to join the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This institution assists women in pursuing their career goals. It also provides them with courses and workshops aimed at improving their professional skills. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is also an international network. It provides women with the opportunity to boost their knowledge in engineering.
Women are empowered to pursue their career goals in whatever field they feel passionate about. And electrical engineering is not an exception. Thus, make sure you strengthen your skills, engage in professional networks, and apply for positions in respective companies. If you are constantly knocking on the door, it will open eventually. Remember: you are a woman, which means you are a real superhero.