Woman increasingly interested in STEM, Metlife survey

Women are considering careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), according to MetLife’s annual Triangle Tech X (TTX) report. Sixty percent of women are likely to say they find a STEM career attractive. 

Bill Pappas, MetLife’s global head of technology and operations, shared to Digital Insurance via email that more women in STEM would impact industries like insurance.

“Greater representation of women in tech roles can have a positive impact not only on the employee experience for those working in the industry, but also the industry itself. Greater representation of women can foster innovation, create more inclusive products, address ethical concerns in AI and contribute to a more balanced, diverse, and successful workplace. 

Bill Pappas

“It could also help to encourage a more inclusive culture that attracts future generations of girls and young women into STEM and subsequently helps address the talent shortage. Our survey this year found more than seven in 10 employees, 72%, say having more women in STEM would inspire future generations of STEM professionals. Attracting more young women to the industry can help fill the pipeline at a time when an impending talent shortage is already an issue at the front of employers’ minds.”

Along with the survey, MetLife held its annual TTX conference October 1 and 2. 

Naomi Johnson, head of strategy and transformation at MetLife focused on Latin America, led a panel on the future of education.

Andrea Stevenson Conner, principal at Stevenson Conner Global Strategies and past President & CEO of ATHENA International, said during the session that she is an advocate for the gender multiplier effect. 

“It’s an economic term that talks about the quantifiable ripple that when women and girls are educated and economically empowered, it has a great impact for the rest of us in society,” she said. “I have long been a champion for that, but underrepresented students in STEM fields, it’s still a persistent challenge, and how we go about supporting them from the classroom to the boardroom is kind of that key piece that is needed. … It’s really important to make sure that women and girls are included in the conversation.”

MetLife shared comments on women in STEM with Digital Insurance. 

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.