Three employees from leading medical device company share their career journeys in STEM so far and how increasing diversity across the industry can help provide better solutions for all.
Philippe Le Tutour
Director of Manufacturing Engineering & Sponsor of STEM Program, Boston Scientific Galway
How does female participation in STEM contribute to your work?
Having diverse teams helps to foster meaningful innovation which is one of our core company values. When it comes to problem-solving, process improvement, new therapy development etc our increasing number of female STEM professionals at all levels bring varied perspectives that enhance creativity, productivity and the culture of the organisation.
What do you think can be done to increase the uptake of STEM by females?
Research by our STEM team shows that early intervention is a key enabler. This is why we tailor our STEM activities to focus on children in 5th and 6th class. Making STEM meaningful and building confidence in girls to pursue these subjects is key to increasing the uptake of STEM by females. One of our key STEM programs is providing information to students and their parents to encourage subject choices aligned with STEM careers. Our female STEM professionals actively support these activities and become role models that inspire the next generation. Recruitment policies on pay equity and gender diversity ensures the next generation of innovators enjoy the benefits of having more females in STEM.
Fiona Deegan
Production Team Leader, Boston Scientific Cork
Why did you decide to pursue a STEM career path?
From a young age, I was interested in maths, and this helped my decision to do Mathematics through Arts in UCC. I also loved working with people so in finishing my degree I looked for a job where I could apply these skills too. I applied for the Graduate programme at Boston Scientific as the criteria met what I was looking for.
Describe your current role
I have been working here for the past two years, only recently finishing the Boston Scientific Graduate Programme. I am a Production Team Leader managing the Product Builders who manufacture the medical devices, while also supporting the Manufacturing and Quality Engineers in the area. I thoroughly enjoy this role as I can apply the skills I learned throughout my degree while also continuously learning through problem-solving and process improvements.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young girl looking to pursue a STEM career?
My advice would be to pursue your passion and this will lead you in the direction you want to go in the future.
Eithne Lynch
Senior Process Development Manager, Boston Scientific Clonmel
Why do you think is it important to have women in STEM?
There are many cases of technological development that could have been greatly enhanced by the inclusion of a diverse thought process and mindset which is brought about by the inclusion of women in STEM. A different perspective can add to the development, design, and ultimately, the success of a given product, which is advantageous to the company and the customer and in our case, the patient.
How can women help to increase young girls interest in STEM?
Quite often, girls don’t have role models of women who work in STEM in their direct families and so they can’t imagine what a career in STEM is like. I know from my own two daughters (10 and 12) that the interest is there at an early age but maintaining that without role models is difficult. Visiting primary schools and letting young girls know that engineering, science or maths careers are open to them is really important to keep the interest levels up through the transition to secondary school – see it to be it!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Since joining Boston Scientific Clonmel 15 years ago, I have worked across a number of departments and I am continually learning and developing new skills while progressing my career.