IMA Special Workshop:
Career Options for Women in Mathematical Sciences

Apply for the Career Workshop on Minorities and Applied Mathematics, April 22-24, 2005

An important part of the IMA's mission is to expand and strengthen the talent base engaged in interdisciplinary mathematical research. Most such efforts focus on the research itself, but for under-represented groups—particularly women and racial or ethnic minorities—cultural and social obstacles to a productive, fulfilling career sometimes prove to be as important as the scientific challenges. For this reason the IMA has run a series of of special workshops, including the recent Career Options for Women in Mathematical Sciences, February 4-5, 2005, and upcoming Career Workshop on Minorities and Applied Mathematics, April 22-24, 2005, which offer participants a chance to learn about opportunities and career paths involving applied mathematics, to share experiences and insights, and to reaffirm that their professional and personal/cultural identities need not be in conflict. In short: to talk about math, to talk about careers, and to network.

More than seventy women mathematicians participated in the workshop Career Options for Women in Mathematical Sciences, including fourteen senior researchers who gave lectures or participated in a panel discussion. The talks by successful women mathematicians working in industry and government labs gave participants glimpses of the possibilities for careers and collaborations outside the familiar academic track. Allison Baker wrote "I did not realize that there were so many opportunities for research in industry. I wish I had known as a grad student—though I am currently a postdoc so it's not too late : )   It was very motivating to talk to women who have really been sucessful in there careers. Also the networking opportunity was wonderful, and I met a number of people that I feel I could contact in the future." Senior industrial scientist Pam Binns found "the candor of the participants was exceptionally impressive—providing insight into 'real' experiences—opposed to the marketing pitches typically presented."

Change was a central theme of the workshop, linking gender issues with non-academic career options. Many of the speakers and panelists described having made dramatic changes in their research area, work environment (e.g., academia to industry), and location in reconciling their personal, professional, and scientific goals. Sarah Patch, IMA's Industrial Advisory Board representative from GE, wrote "I was shocked to find that so many of the women working in industry had completely changed mathematical gears when they moved to industry." Many participants, particularly those at the start of their careers, were heartened to learn that such stories often have happy endings. Graduate student Yelda Aydin wrote "Getting to know these women who were very successful and happy with their different choices made me feel more optimistic." Postdoc Suzanne Lynch Hruska elaborated "I learned (to my pleasant surprise) that obtaining a job in industry is very possible for an academic with a pure math background. I left many of the talks feeling as though I could quite happily be an employee in the speaker's company in the future."

One of the most enthusiastically received components of the workshop was the optional half-day negotiation skills tutorial, run by Barbara Butterfield (HUMANED Consulting) and Jane Tucker (Duke University). Postdoc Giovana Guidoboni wrote "I come from a country where there is nothing to negotiate in a position at a university, so every time I had to discuss something I felt like a beggar. The organized activities helped me in understanding some strategies of negotiation and to know better my attitude." Topics included principles of negotiation, developing "best alternatives to a negotiated agreement", and understanding negotiation styles. Case practices, including job interview scenarios, illustrated the principles presented in the tutorial.

Working groups and a poster session provided opportunities for discussions in small groups. Nineteen participants presented posters showcasing research on an impressively diverse range of topics from both pure and applied mathematics. Many participants found simply being part of such an accomplished and enthusiastic group of women to be one of the greatest benefits of the workshop. Paola Vera Licona captured the spirit of the meeting: "One thing that I have learned from this workshop is that I am capable of helping other women by sharing my experiences and that I can learn so much from listening to others' experiences. In fact, after the workshop I decided to enroll in the AWM Mentor Network."

The third IMA Career Workshop on Minorities and Applied Mathematics takes place April 22-24, 2005. Scientists interested in participating should fill out the online application form. This workshop will focus on the problems that confront the small, but growing, number of under-represented minority mathematicians in academia, government laboratories and industry. The workshop will offer tutorials with practical applications, intended primarily for researchers in the early to mid-career stages of their professional development, and provide opportunities for networking. Senior professionals will provide insight on things they wish someone had told them before they left graduate school, some of the surprises they found upon entering the workplace, and how they managed to overcome the difficulties encountered. Small breakout groups will allow for further exploration of ideas, which will then be shared with the entire group. A limited number of general interest technical talks will be presented and poster sessions will showcase the work of selected participants.