General Motors engineers urge girls to pursue math, science careers
General Motors employs 34,000 women globally, and is one of largest employers of women engineers — with more than 2,200 nationwide.
The company has worked to empower women, promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) because of the growing demand.
An event called “Women in Electrification” hosted high school girls from three Detroit schools to teach them about how exciting a career in a STEM field can be.
A panel of four women engineers at GM spoke about their own experiences in the field and career paths — sending the message that a woman can do anything.
The company has worked to empower women, promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) because of the growing demand.
An event called “Women in Electrification” hosted high school girls from three Detroit schools to teach them about how exciting a career in a STEM field can be.
A panel of four women engineers at GM spoke about their own experiences in the field and career paths — sending the message that a woman can do anything.
The panel were all women who work to develop and market electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Spark EV and Cadillac ELR.
Britta Gross, GM director of advanced vehicle commercialization policy; Alisyn Malek, GM release engineer of charging components; MaryAnn Jeffers, assistant chief engineer of GM electrification; and Cristi Landy, marketing director of Chevrolet small cars all discussed their personal experiences, taking questions from curious audience members about their careers.
One of the tips Landy gave the girls was about college. She said she had no one in her family in engineering, while the others did.
“If you’re at all interested in engineering, apply for the college of engineering because once you’re there a year or two, you don’t want to be switching into engineering,” Landy said.
The degree, according to the panelists, is one of the few with financial security and immediate job placement after receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Malek said engineering is generally looked at as boring, but she says her job allows her to daydream a lot.
Britta Gross, GM director of advanced vehicle commercialization policy; Alisyn Malek, GM release engineer of charging components; MaryAnn Jeffers, assistant chief engineer of GM electrification; and Cristi Landy, marketing director of Chevrolet small cars all discussed their personal experiences, taking questions from curious audience members about their careers.
One of the tips Landy gave the girls was about college. She said she had no one in her family in engineering, while the others did.
“If you’re at all interested in engineering, apply for the college of engineering because once you’re there a year or two, you don’t want to be switching into engineering,” Landy said.
The degree, according to the panelists, is one of the few with financial security and immediate job placement after receiving a bachelor’s degree.
Malek said engineering is generally looked at as boring, but she says her job allows her to daydream a lot.
At the end of the presentation, three lucky participants got to play a round of Jeopardy with the most winning female in the history of the show, Stephanie Jass, playing the role of Alex Trebek. Jass is also known for calling Trebek “the devil” on the show.
Questions in the game were about “electrification” and engineering.
Each panelist gave one tip of advice to the young women in the audience for finding the perfect career: Find something you like, don’t stress out, be passionate and pay the bills.
Contact Megan Semeraz at 248-745-4628 or email Megan.Semeraz@oakpress.com or follow her on Twitter @MeganSemeraz.
FYI
General Motors promotes women in the STEM fields through the Buick Achievers scholarship program. The program gives $4.2 million per year to 1,100 students — with 527 scholarships, or $2.27 million of the $4.2 million for female students pursuing a career in the automotive industry. To learn more about the program, visit www.buickachievers.com.
Questions in the game were about “electrification” and engineering.
Each panelist gave one tip of advice to the young women in the audience for finding the perfect career: Find something you like, don’t stress out, be passionate and pay the bills.
Contact Megan Semeraz at 248-745-4628 or email Megan.Semeraz@oakpress.com or follow her on Twitter @MeganSemeraz.
FYI
General Motors promotes women in the STEM fields through the Buick Achievers scholarship program. The program gives $4.2 million per year to 1,100 students — with 527 scholarships, or $2.27 million of the $4.2 million for female students pursuing a career in the automotive industry. To learn more about the program, visit www.buickachievers.com.
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