Monster Confidence bootcamp launched to boost girls’ STEM uptake

Job site Monster and Stemettes are touring an event called Monster Confidence which aims to show the next generation “girls do STEM too,” and give them the tools and confidence needed 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 in STEM fields.

Monster Confidence is hosting three events across the UK where unemployment is at its highest and social mobility at its lowest – London, Teesside and Peterborough.

The events will be attended by girls aged between 14-18, and will include speed mentoring sessions with inspirational women in STEM, CV advice from the pros and mock interviews with HR professionals.

They will also provide tips on presentation skills and support to create a professional online presence, along with “lightning talks” where volunteers will give a seven minute speech advocating for their specialist corner of the STEM world.

This year’s speakers have been confirmed 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, fead of project & programme management at G-Research, will also be giving a talk, as will Eve Lee from The Digital Fairy.

The events will be on the 19^th, 26^th and 28^th of November. Respectively, they will take place at G-Research, 19-30 Alfred Place in London, Middlesbrough Football Club in Teeside and CDW, 1 Cyrus Way in Peterborough.

Lou Goodman, EU product marketing director at Monster UK, comments: “Only 5% of leadership tech roles are held by women, so these events provide a fantastic way for young women to be exposed to the jobs available to them and inspire them to be the leaders of tomorrow.”

Dr Imafidon comments, “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.

Lindsay Witcher, vice president, practice strategy, Randstad RiseSmart, says, “Randstad RiseSmart is honoured to be a part of an event that promotes the important role women play in STEM. We truly believe that everyone can benefit from programs that are focused on the unique value women bring to the workplace.”

Jacqueline de Rojas CBE, President of techUK and Co-Chair of the IoC’s Governance Board, says, “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.”