Collin Fall 2025

Opportunities exist in STEM jobs say female professionals

by | May 6, 2021 | Latest

Girls seem to lose interest in science and math and STEM jobs (science, technology, en­gineering and math) at some point in the academic careers, research shows.

Michelle Foley theorized why she thinks this develop­ment occurs.

“I think maybe it’s not fun to be smart – I don’t know what the deal is,” said Foley, a cyber security program manager who works at Microsoft and lives in Murphy and has been working at home for about five years. “Is it the role models? Is it they’re afraid to fail? I’m not sure what it is, but it is something (caus­ing a decline in interest).”

She started at Microsoft as a contractor in 1999 and then became full-time employee the next year.

Foley became interested in a STEM career because she always had an interest in math and science, which she had a talent for.

“The science I learned al­ways made me good at trouble shooting, so IT was not a big stretch,” she said.

STEM jobs are in demand now and for the foreseeable fu­ture. Newly released U.S. Cen­sus information reports women make up just 27% of STEM workers and 48% of the over­all workforce. Various research shows girls’ lack of interest in STEM fields can stem from many factors, such as a lack of role models in the field to peer pressure to societal pressure and social bias.

For the full story, see the May 6 issue or subscribe online.

By Don Munsch[email protected]

NTMWD 2025

0 Comments

Public Notice - Subscribe

Related News

No left turns at PSA

No left turns at PSA

The Murphy Police Department is starting an education and enforcement effort to prevent accidents where the PSA parking lot exits to N. Murphy Road. Police Chief Jeff Gibson said southbound motorists sometimes attempt to turn left into the exit drive or motorists...

read more
Brown House exhibits showcase entertainment

Brown House exhibits showcase entertainment

In a gallery at the Brown House in Wylie, one of the latest exhibits, “Our Fascination with Period Dramas,” explores the enduring popularity of historical fiction. The Brown House in downtown Wylie is inviting guests to take a nostalgic look at the past through two...

read more
Governor signs school voucher bill

Governor signs school voucher bill

Gov. Greg Abbott displays Senate Bill 2, signed May 3, creating educational savings accounts – a school voucher system – in Texas. Courtesy Governor's Office Effective with the 2026-27 school year, Texas families will be able to apply for a trust fund account from...

read more
Murphy councilmembers outpoll challengers

Murphy councilmembers outpoll challengers

Four members of the Murphy City Council have apparently been re-elected, according to final unofficial returns from the Saturday, May 3, general election. Results are not official until canvassed by council. With results complete from all voting centers, Collin County...

read more
Bands booked for June concert series

Bands booked for June concert series

Emerald City Band will be performing June 6. Emerald City Band is the first of four bands scheduled for free Friday night concerts in June. The Dallas-based band will take the amphitheater stage in Murphy Central Park on June 6. The Murphy Parks and Recreation...

read more
Public Notice - Subscribe