9 ways to thrive in a male-dominated career field

I am a woman and have been an engineer for over 30 years.

At the beginning of my career, it was shocking and highly emotional. I faced everything from sexist comments to harassment and jokes. I was often accused of being too emotional or "too nice."

I am in my 50s now, and the difference lies in my reaction to situations like these. I want to share some of the things I have learned on how to deal with these challenges and also how I have been able to make progress and move forward:

• NEVER FORGET WHY YOU GOT INTO THE FIELD YOU CHOSE - If you have decided to pursue a career in a STEM field, it means that you have a genuine interest in it. You are a highly capable and intelligent individual, and it is important to acknowledge that. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and advancements in your field by taking relevant classes and reading about new STEM initiatives. Doing so will make you feel more confident interacting with and networking with your peers.
• HONOR WHO YOU ARE AND LEARN WHEN TO SAY NO - I am not fond of wearing revealing clothes and never have been. Sometimes, people accuse me of dressing too conservatively, especially because I'm a Latina. However, I don't feel guilty for not showing off my body. I dislike being stared at and prefer to dress modestly. The same goes for drinking alcohol. At networking events, people often ask why I'm not drinking more, but I'm content with just a glass of wine. Being true to yourself is always important, and when you speak your truth, people will respect you for it. Learning how to say no is a very powerful skill. Practice, Practice, Practice! 

• 
  KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES - Acknowledging our strengths and weaknesses can help us maximize our potential and seek help to improve in areas where we need it. Reaching out to colleagues for support is a positive step. When you ask for assistance from a male colleague, it sends the message that you are not there to compete but to learn and collaborate. This can be a liberating experience for both parties. Personally, most of my mentors have been men who have mentored, assisted, and encouraged me to aspire to greater things. Unfortunately, engineering is still a male-dominated field, but we can work with this reality and embrace it. Our success is another step towards including more women in the industry.
• SPEAK UP - men are good at this. Many of us tend to remain silent during meetings, and I must admit that I am also guilty of this. However, it is essential to participate in the conversation and not just speak up when we have something critical to say. There are intelligent ways to participate, even if you don't have much to say. One such way is by asking questions. If you feel like you don't have anything to contribute, try asking questions instead. This will help you become active in the conversation, learn new things, and share your experiences.
• BEING A WOMAN IS NOT SOMETHING TO EXCUSE YOURSELF ABOUT - I have a great love for high heels, and I have worn them for a long time. I used to work in construction and had to visit construction projects regularly, so I always wore elevated platforms and carried boots in my backpack to change into when I had to visit the site. However, some men felt uncomfortable with my choice of footwear and would often feel the need to comment on it. I remember a colleague once asked me, "You are an engineer, so why are you wearing high heels?" My response, delivered in a very polite tone, was, "Being an engineer is in my brain, not on my feet." I smiled at him, and that was the end of the matter.
• SOMETIMES, IT'S BETTER TO IGNORE - There will always be people who make dumb comments (women and men). Sometimes, you have to ignore them. Do not lose your temper or job for someone not worth arguing with. 
• RESPECT PEOPLE'S OPINIONS BUT DON'T BE NAIVE - I believe in showing respect to everyone and giving credit where it is due for their actions and words. However, it is important to be cautious of those who may try to take advantage of you. You can avoid many disappointments by being observant, a good listener, and a quick learner. It is crucial that you don't allow others to steal your ideas or take credit for your work. Speak up and ensure people know what you think, do, and achieve.
• KNOW WHEN TO DETACH FROM YOUR EMOTIONS - It is a common stereotype that women are always emotional. While it's true that we are emotional beings, that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. However, we need to learn how to control our emotions in certain situations. I cried at the slightest hint of criticism when I started my career. Even constructive feedback would make me emotional. Although I received valuable feedback from male supervisors, I took it personally, and it affected me emotionally. But over time, I learned to detach myself from critical comments and focus on constructive feedback that could help me grow. This is how I have learned to become a better professional.
• EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE AND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS - I pursued a degree in engineering because I have a passion for innovation and solving problems. As an Industrial Engineer, I am particularly drawn to efficiency, productivity, and working with people. Whenever I observe a physical space or a process, my mind instantly comes up with numerous ideas on how to make it more efficient. It's almost like magic! I believe embracing one's capabilities and showcasing them to the world is important. Never underestimate your value as a professional and human being, and never feel guilty about it. That's what you're here for!

The bottom line

Developing a career is an ongoing process that requires continuous work and redefinition of goals. It is okay to make tough decisions such as quitting a job, trying new fields, or redefining yourself, but you should keep pushing and do what you love. Do not give up or let others define your career or discourage you if you are good at it. Rise up and show the world what you are capable of. Just go for it!