Female underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has been widely documented for years. While the life sciences field has seen a reduction in the gender gap, the number of women working within the engineering and computer science professions specifically, remain low compared to their male counterparts. Striving to break down the barriers that exist in STEM-related fields, Cubic Australia is proud to announce the recruitment of a record number of female engineers.
Jill Hunt, Cubic’s Regional HR Manager-APAC says that the number of female engineers in 2011 was only 16 percent in Australia. Cubic is hoping to increase these numbers.
The hiring of Cubic’s team of female engineers signifies the forward-thinking steps Cubic is taking to end occupational segregation and support women entering traditionally male-dominated fields. “We are committed to ensuring broad gender representation in these crucial roles, and are actively trying to recruit and progress women in their career of choice,” Hunt explains.
Among the women who recently joined Cubic’s expanding team of engineers are Julie Guo, Diana Toledo and Helen Wang. Bonded by a mutual passion for engineering and technology, the women have created a tight support group that extends beyond the workplace. In fact, they have made it their mission to ensure that every new female engineer is welcomed and supported in her new role at Cubic. In addition to assisting new recruits on the job, the women organize group social activities outside of working hours to encourage team spirit.
Graduate Systems Engineer Helen Wang noted, “The men on our team are all supportive and friendly, but it is nice to also work with women who I can relate to socially and have fun with outside the office.” She also commends Cubic’s efforts to support and encourage women in the engineering field as it is often perceived as a more masculine field.
“In other companies that I have worked for, the engineering teams were a bit of an exclusive boys club, but at Cubic, everyone is so welcoming,” adds Project Engineer Diana Toledo. Toledo also says she looks forward to coming into work each day because she feels Cubic has created a nurturing work environment conducive to advancing her career.
Graduate Systems Engineer Julie Guo believes gender diversity is important for an engineering team because “…with a mixture of male and female engineers, the team works better to solve problems.”
It’s imperative that companies remain committed to the active recruitment and retention of women for STEM professions – especially engineering. As a leader in the defense and transportation industries employing 1,049 engineers worldwide, Cubic understands the importance of reducing the gender gap so that women are more widely represented within the STEM workforce. STEM professions are critical for Cubic’s business model, which thrives on a culture of innovation and Cubic will continue to dedicate the time and resources to implementing STEM initiatives within its business units globally.
If you are inspired by the sciences and interested in learning more about careers at Cubic, please visit www.cubic.com/Careers.