In preperation for this Friday’s webinar, I asked Celeste Baine a few questions that I will share over the next few days.

Why is it difficult to get women into technical programs?

Technology programs tend to attract the brightest students. The advantage for these students is that, because they are so bright, they can go into many different fields. The world is wide open for them so it’s up to technical colleges, schools and programs to show them why an engineering or technology career is better than any of their other choices.

Women want to know that their career will help others, improve society and/or make a difference. So suddenly, the marketing efforts at various colleges have to change their approach from:

Nuts and bolts = product or technology

to

The nuts and bolts required to create or design a product or technology = a better environment, enhanced healthcare, a better life, etc.

In other words, the marketing needs to focus on the big picture instead of the immediate solution. The message that needs to be conveyed is: by pursuing this technology or engineering degree you will make a difference in the world. This is challenging because making a difference is subjective and many students may not know yet what makes them have an “ah ha” moment.

More questions and answers for tomorrow. Please join us for the free webinar this Friday!

Mark Viquesney