Jobs site, Monster.co.uk, and social enterprise, Stemettes, are taking Monster Confidence on the road to show the next generation that girls do Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) too. The initiative has been designed to give this demographic the tools and confidence they need to secure a job.
Since launching the events in 2016, over 2,000 young women have attended to receive encouragement and guidance from industry experts on how to pursue careers and qualifications of their dreams within STEM fields. Monster Confidence will be hosting two further events this year across the UK where unemployment and is at its highest and social mobility at its lowest – Teesside and Peterborough.
The girls, aged between 14 and 18, will get to experience the following:
· Speed mentoring with inspirational women within STEM who will give the girls confidence to enter their dream careers
· CV advice from the pros to land that interview
· Mock interviews with HR experts to learn how to smash their first interview and get the job they wan
· Tips on presentation skills so they can present with total confidence
· Support on how to create a professional online presence
· Lightning talks where volunteers will be giving a seven minute talk on their specialist industry to inspire young women to consider it as a career path
To give young women confidence and inspiration, they will also hear from some of the UK’s most influential women in technology. This year’s speakers range from GCHQ and Westfield, as well as Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE co-founder of Stemettes and Professor Kerensa Jennings, Member of the IoC Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board. Jacinda Fahey, Head of Project & Programme Management at G-Research, will also be giving a talk, as will Eve Lee from The Digital Fairy.
The next two events will be taking place at the following locations:
· Teeside on 26th November at Middlesbrough Football Club, TS3 6RS
· Peterborough on 28th November at CDW, 1 Cyrus Way, PE7 8HP
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Head Stemette and co-founder of Stemettes, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Monster.co.uk for the fourth year in a row to motivate and inspire today’s generation of young women to enter the world of STEM.
“We know from previous attendees the significant impact that Monster Confidence events have had on them. I can’t wait to encourage more young women to enter these exciting industries with the right mindset.”
“Randstad RiseSmart is honoured to be a part of an event that promotes the important role women play in STEM,” added Lindsay Witcher, vice president, practice strategy, Randstad RiseSmart. “We truly believe that everyone can benefit from programs that are focused on the unique value women bring to the workplace. This event encapsulates how confidence, networking, mentorship, and planning can empower more women to excel in the workplace. I look forward to seeing where this next group of talented women go in their careers and what they can accomplish with these tools at their fingertips.”
Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, President of techUK and Co-Chair of the IoC’s Governance Board, also commented: “The industry needs more diversity and inclusion, and whether your passion lies in gaming, fashion, activism or beyond, there is a learning pathway for you.
“At the IoC, our mission is to encourage learners from diverse backgrounds to build their tech and digital skills. Teaming up with the Stemettes and Monster.co.uk is an opportunity to signpost accessible ways into the industry through higher education.”