Episode Transcript
A role model is a person whose behavior, actions and accomplishments inspire you to strive for similar things.
I’m sure you have a few.
Ideally you’ve had role models throughout your life that gave you the idea that you’re talented and strong.
That you’re suited for STEM-related work.
And that you can succeed in an engineering career.
Role models are beneficial because they set an example of how to do the job well.
Or how to be or act in a certain situation.
Having women role models – and those who are more like you – give you confidence that you belong and can be successful too.
Why the Lack of Role Models for Women Engineers
While men can be great role models in engineering, and they are, it’s not the same as having women role models.
Because it’s easier to see yourself doing this job when you can see other women doing it.
But as you know there are still relatively few women in engineering.
And of these, some are not very visible or well known.
So they’re difficult to find. To learn about. Or to connect to.
And if you’re looking to the past for role models, it can be even more difficult since historical records lack many of the achievements of women.
Why You Need Role Models in Your Engineering Career
Why is this a problem?
Because without role models you feel more isolated and less supported.
You don’t get a good picture of what you’re trying to strive for.
You can survive your career without role models.
But it’s a tougher journey.
I’m pretty sure I didn’t know what a role model was when I started my career.
That’s something people didn’t talk much about back then.
So it was hard to gain a sense of belonging. And to see examples of women doing well at their engineering jobs.
Looking back, simply being aware of role models would have been helpful.
How to Be A Role Model for Women Engineers
Why am I going on and on about role models?
Because I want you to be one.
I want you to be a role model for other women engineers.
You’re probably thinking that you don’t really need this added responsibility.
You have enough to do in your job without the burden of figuring out how to be a role model for others.
But here’s the thing.
Being a role model simply means continuing to be your best self.
There’s nothing more you have to do.
Nothing more than the things you’re already doing to be successful in your career.
It’s not like being a mentor.
We all need mentors too. But mentors have a specific role in giving insight, advice and recommendations.
Whereas role models set an example simply by doing their everyday work. Or being their everyday selves.
You probably have role models that don’t even know you.
Other women need to see how you’re thriving in your career.
They need to see how you lead and solve problems.
How you own your career. How you advocate for yourself. How you connect with people.
How you strive to make your unique contribution.
You’re doing this anyway.
Just be visible. And allow others to see your example.
You don’t have to “try” to inspire.
I assure you your example is already inspiring to someone.
To learn more about self-advocacy, connection, and making your unique contribution, sign up for a strategy session with me.
We can make a plan for you to master this stage of your career. And be a role model for others.
BONUS – 4 Tips About Finding Role Models
Lastly, let me leave you with some tips about 4 types of role models:
- Everyday People
Role models can be famous people from the past or present.
They might be well known in your discipline for accomplishing great things.
But a role model can also be an everyday person.
Look for someone who simply inspires you in some way.
- Someone You Never Meet
Someone who’s a role model for you may not even realize it.
You may never meet this person.
They can inspire you remotely.
Or through their writings. Or through publications about them or their work.
Be aware that potential role models may not be directly in your circle.
And whether or not you connect with them is up to you.
- Those Who Inspire in an Unexpected Way
A role model may be someone who does similar work as you, has similar goals as you, or has a similar background as you.
Or not.
Instead they may inspire you with their work ethic. Or their creativity. Or their style of communication.
Notice that these role models can have a positive impact too.
- People Outside Your Profession
Even though you’re an engineer working in a particular organization in a particular field with a particular specialty, you can find excellent role models who are none of these.
Remember to widen the aperture and realize people from all different professions can inspire you in yours.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll explore more about what you can expect from your boss.
Be sure to tune in for Episode 167.