Advice From Women Scientists on Pursuing a Career in Science
The following questions and answers come from an e-mail
survey that was sent out to women scientists all across
the country. As you can see from the replies, the experience
of each woman in science is very different!
What would be your advice to a girl or young
woman contemplating a career in medicine or science?
“Follow your heart’s desire. If you really
want to be a scientist, anything is obtainable. I’ve
known great woman physicists, chemists and biologists.
Never be discouraged, but to always think of it as learning
a different language. Once you know the language, you’re
in for life. Mostly, never listen to things like: ‘girls
don’t usually take advanced calculus’ or
‘you’ll be the only girl in that class,’
as if you are some type of oddity. Remember, girls exceed
boys in math in grade school -- why should that change
in high school or college? There will always be a need
for doctors (women once dominated this field), and scientists
and there is no reason why there should be a gender
difference. The things that hold women back are often
‘in their heads,’ that is, imagined.”
- D. Clark, Ph.D. Candidate in Physical Anthropology,
emphasis on Nutritional Biology
“Do it! If something interests you, pursue it.
Gender has nothing to do with one’s capabilities
(aside from some physical realities about physical strength
and size). If someone tells you that you can’t
or shouldn’t pursue a field that interests you,
analyze their advice and make your decision based on
your opinion. Get more advice; educate yourself on your
options. Do what you want to do. Do not lose your compassion.
Do not fall into the trap of the uncaring, unfeeling,
scientific life where the ends justify all means...where
scientific ‘truth’ is more important than
all else. Use science to enhance all life on this planet
and beyond.” - Lara Marie Rasmussen, Veterinary
Surgery
“Proceed full steam ahead. There is absolutely
no reason you can’t be successful if you have
inclination and talent to do science. Pay close attention
to the aspects of science that tickle your brain most
and the aspects of science to which you gravitate. What
charges your batteries rather than depleting them? You
must be happy and intellectually satisfied in any field
you enter. Don’t neglect learning how to get along
with people. ‘I’ve seen brilliant people
who were totally ineffective because they couldn’t
work with others.” - Ann Berger, Geneticist/Immunologist
“Believe in yourself. Work hard. Set goals as
early in your life as possible, and don’t get
distracted. Understand that you can use your brain to
overcome any physical impediment you may have (small,
female equine veterinarians always have to prove themselves
to male clients). Do not get emotionally involved with
a man that feels threatened by your brains, your independence,
or your goals. But most of all, be happy. Go for it,
but be informed when you make your decision. Talk to
lots of women in the field you plan to major in, and
be sure this is what you want. You may have to sacrifice
to get where you want to be, so it is best to know definitely
what you want.” – Veterinarian,
Name withheld
“Be prepared to work hard, stick at it, and be
assertive rather than aggressive. It’s great.
But be prepared for hard work. And a lot of competition.”
- Judy MacArthur Clark, Veterinarian
“Work hard, research well, pay attention to the
little stuff - you never know when it will come in handy!
Help others, and then when you least expect it, they
will help you! Remember there are a lot of really good
people out there - go find them! You’re needed,
you’re capable, the opportunities are there, even
if they don’t jump out and grab you - go find
them!” - Gail Colbern, Research Scientist
with a Pharmaceutical Company
“Don’t care that others don't like you
for being ‘brainy’ since you’ll end
up on top after high school. Don’t let others
tell you that you can’t do something. If you’ve
given it your all, then you’ve done the best you
can. But if you don’t try at all, you are guaranteed
failure. Also, have a backup plan if you can’t
get into the exact program you want. There are lots
of things out there that may just be better than what
you had originally planned on doing.” -
Anna M. van Heeckeren, Veterinary Medicine, Cystic Fibrosis
Research
“Explore the different areas of science, there
are so many! Find someone who can really open the doors
to the different niches that there are in science, veterinary
medicine, immunology, chemistry (and all the subgroups
of that!)” - Stacie Clark, Veterinary
Molecular Biology
“Follow your interests, and don’t give
up! Change paths when you need to or can’t go
where you initially wanted. Find mentors (plural), honor
and love the science and find like-minded females --
students, friends or senior folks in your field -- that
fit with your personality (it can’t be forced).”
- Susan Rose, Bioethicist
“First, find someone who is not only a good scientist,
but also known to be a good mentor to be your advisor.
One without the other can lead to disaster. Second,
learn from rejections, but don't let them stop you.”
– Animal Behaviorist, Name withheld
“WORK IN A LAB AS A VOLUNTEER OR INTERN FIRST!
Pursue your other interests in a similar fashion. Place
yourself in the environment that you would like to work
in. Every career path has its own culture and politics;
you should try out all your career choices and see which
one fits you the most.” - Marie Mei Lee,
Graduate Student in Molecular and Cellular Biology
“1. Only go into scientific research if you can’t
imagine yourself doing anything else. You must love
it. 2. Do not go into debt for graduate school; scientists
are not well paid, especially in the years you will
be obligated to repay your debts.” –
Endocrinologist, Name withheld |
