Accomplished women engineers from around the world recently gathered for a panel discussion, sharing their experiences and insights on studying abroad in honor of International Women in Engineering Day. The panelists emphasized the numerous opportunities that studying abroad offers, including academic excellence, cross-cultural competencies, personal growth, networking, and career benefits. It was facilitated by Florencia Renteria, a nuclear scientist and engineer from the Women in Nuclear Innovation (WiNI) group of expertise of WiN Global.
Jadwiga Najder, a nuclear engineer from Poland currently working in France, highlighted the value of learning the local language, describing it as "very useful" and enhancing the experience. She also mentioned the possibility of availing free language classes for foreign students.
Muna Al Suwaidi, Senior Program Engineer from the UAE, emphasized the positive impact of leadership courses she took while studying in South Korea, stating that they improved her skills within her field of work. She encouraged others to seek out similar opportunities actively.
Rafaela Mondadori, an engineering student from Brazil studying in France, noted that studying abroad fosters independence and maturity, explaining that it requires individuals to adapt and find solutions to problems independently.
Amanda Mbhele from South Africa shared her experience, affirming the positive effect of international affairs on one's career. She mentioned how the skills she acquired while studying in South Korea have been valuable in her current work.
The panelists aimed to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in STEM fields through their stories.
Scholarship Opportunities for Advancing Women in the Nuclear Sector
The panelists also highlighted two primary scholarship opportunities to support female scientists and engineers in advancing their careers within the nuclear sector.
The Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowship Program (MSCFP), initiated in 2014 by the International Atomic Energy Agency, provides funding for female master's students and recent graduates. It covers part of the recipients' salaries and offers internship opportunities at research centers. The next application round is set to open this month.
The Lise Meitner Programme (LMP) seeks to enhance women's development in the nuclear field by enabling them to visit nuclear facilities and research institutions. This program allows participants to expand their networks, gain exposure to different work environments, and broaden their knowledge. The inaugural cohort of the Athena program recently took place in the United States.
These scholarships aim to address the underrepresentation of women in the nuclear sector by offering funding and experiential learning opportunities. They help female scientists and engineers expand their skills and networks, accelerating their careers in nuclear energy.
Promoting Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Networking in Engineering
During the event, the panelists advocated for greater cross-cultural collaboration and networking to advance women in the field.
Mondadori emphasized the value of international projects in providing a genuine understanding of different perspectives. She stated, "It was the first time I could see what different nationalities and countries can bring to the conversation."
Najder, on the other hand, highlighted the adaptability and global job market that international experiences offer, stating, "Your job market becomes global. It's not limited to your country."
The panelists encouraged women to actively pursue international opportunities through scholarships, conferences, and volunteering. Al Sweidi shared that such platforms "give us the opportunity to attend international conferences... and have valuable information."
These women engineers called for more initiatives and programs to promote cross-cultural collaboration and networking to empower the next generation of women in STEM fields.
Opportunities and Challenges of an International Career in the Nuclear Sector
During the discussion, the panelists also addressed the opportunities and challenges of pursuing an international career in the nuclear sector, focusing on women's experiences.
The panelists underscored the importance of networking and building relationships with mentors and industry leaders for career advancement. They highlighted the value of attending conferences, volunteering, and proactively reaching out to people as effective ways to open doors. Studying and working abroad were also seen as valuable for gaining exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and work environments, contributing to personal adaptability and a broader outlook.
While acknowledging the existence of discrimination against women, especially in male-dominated fields, the panelists stressed the significance of confidence, assertiveness, and addressing inappropriate behavior. They also pointed out that international experiences often lead to lifelong friendships, forming support networks during challenging times. International colleagues become like "family" who understand the struggles of living abroad.
The panelists concluded the discussion by noting that pursuing interests with passion and determination can help overcome challenges. While some may encounter difficulties in their international journey, completing nuclear studies provides advantages in the job market.
As the event host, WiN Global Young Generation (WiN Global YG) was delighted to provide a platform for this enlightening discussion. WiN Global YG and its collaborators recognize the tremendous potential of studying abroad as a great asset for international students to obtain outstanding nuclear education. Moreover, it contributes to the growth and progress of nuclear activities in emerging nations. Building upon the success of this initiative, WiN Global YG will continue its efforts to inspire and encourage more young women and men to pursue studies in foreign countries.
This panel discussion is a testament to WiN Global YG's and its partners' commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the nuclear sector. By harnessing the power of international education and collaboration, the prospects for aspiring students to embark on successful careers in nuclear engineering will expand. Through their efforts, WiN Global YG aims to shape the future of the nuclear industry by fostering a new generation of talented professionals, driving innovation, and advancing nuclear technology worldwide.