At a recent Industry Day for a government organization, I took the above picture. The sea of suits is a typical representation of the male-dominated business I’m in. Out of 350+ attendees, I counted about 20 women, including the two checking us in at the door.

Is this the stereotypical “boys’ club”? Eh, maybe. It is more a reflection of the disparate numbers of men and women in technology, especially in the defense industry. During the breaks, the men seemed to know each other and were chatting easily. I suspect a lot of the business development people in the audience were former military. As a relative newcomer to this particular organization, I mostly watched and listened.

Engineering and technology

From my college days studying engineering to my present work in high-tech sales, I have been in a minority. I was often the only woman, or one of a few, in my engineering classes. When I entered the work force, I was one of just a few women engineers at my company.

Did my male colleagues and managers expect less of me because I was a woman? I couldn’t tell you. But I did feel the need to further my education – to at least show that I was intelligent and hard-working. Working full time while obtaining a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering was no picnic, especially after I had my first child. But it was worth it.

When I was later promoted to Engineering Department Manager, I was the first woman in that role in my company.

More “firsts”

I joined a satellite company – and was one of the only female engineers.

I joined a small technology company, and made the switch from engineering to high-tech marketing and sales. I created sales and marketing for a new product line, and ran the department. I was the first female in a management role in that company.

I have sold hardware, telecommunications, and software. In all cases, my colleagues, management, and customers are mostly male.

In my current job, I was the first woman promoted to Regional Sales Manager, and have been the top sales person for the past two years. My customers are still mostly male, but my company has hired women in key sales, engineering, marketing, and operations positions. I am fortunate to be in a very supportive environment now.

Automotive sales

Karen, one of the women profiled in Savvy Women: Gaining Ground at Work, shares her experiences in Human Resources for an automotive sales group. I thought engineering and technology were male-dominated; I was shocked to hear the stories of men selling cars. From crude language in front of customers and female colleagues, to blatant sexual harassment and discrimination and offenses requiring dismissal, Karen saw it all. Her role as HR director exposed her to situations where she needed to challenge long-held traditions and culture. By definition, she was a threat to the status quo. She developed strategies for dealing with these situations, advising management and training employees to change behaviors.

Law

Three of the women profiled in Savvy Women: Gaining Ground at Work are attorneys – two in private practice and one in the government. Their experiences in a mostly male-dominated profession have taught them the value of hard work, fighting back against injustice when needed, and seeking out work environments where their contributions are appreciated.

Information Technology (IT)

Computer programmers, computer engineers, Chief Information Officers (CIOs), and people in other IT-related careers remain predominantly male. Several of the women profiled in Savvy Women: Gaining Ground at Work worked in Information Technology. Their stories of discrimination, hostility, and awkward work environments might explain why women are staying away in droves. But these women found ways to thrive, even in difficult situations.

Science – the “S” in STEM

According to the National Girls Collaborative Project, women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 29% of the science and engineering workforce.

• 35.2% of chemists are women (I am proud to say my STEM daughter is one of them);

• 11.1% of physicists and astronomers are women;

• 33.8% of environmental engineers are women;

• 22.7% of chemical engineers are women;

• 17.5% of civil, architectural, and sanitary engineers are women;

• 17.1% of industrial engineers are women;

• 10.7% of electrical or computer hardware engineers are women; and

• 7.9% of mechanical engineers are women.

There is a big push nationwide to encourage girls and women to enter and stay in #STEM fields, which tend to be lucrative occupations. But these women will need more than a technical education to advance in these careers. They need to develop strategies for dealing with challenges they will encounter as women in these male-dominated professions. My book, Savvy Women: Gaining Ground at Work, profiles a dozen women who have prevailed under difficult circumstances.

It provides information and advice – lessons we have learned the hard way, that can give women a boost as they navigate their own paths to success. For women in the workplace for years, and for those who are just starting out, learning from others is one of the best ways to gain ground at work.

Still a minority?

It is unfortunate that women are still in the minority in many of these high-paying professions. There is much to be done to support women and give them the same opportunities as men. But for those women willing to work, to learn from others, and to develop savvy – nothing is off limits.