This week marks British Science Week with the theme #SmashingStereotypes, celebrating the diverse people and careers in science and engineering.
Nina Espiritu is a Youth Co-Lead for the BBC’s Women in STEM (WiSTEM) network. Her goal is to inspire young women from diverse backgrounds to explore rewarding careers in STEM. She is committed to promoting more diversity in the industry and advocating for alternative paths into STEM.
Having pursued Graphic Design, English Language, and L3 Creative Media Production at Varndean College, Nina’s trajectory took a transformative turn when she secured a coveted Women in Tech scholarship in 2021. This fully-funded opportunity propelled her into a career in software development and engineering.
Today, she shares insights on how her creative pursuits at college laid the foundation for her thriving tech career.
In what ways has your background in creative subjects influenced your approach to problem-solving and creativity in your role?
My background in creative subjects has significantly influenced my approach to problem-solving in my role as a Software Engineer. The ability to think outside the box comes naturally and my creativity helps me approach new challenges with a fresh perspective. The ability to think creatively can enhance problem-solving in STEM, and STEM/technical skills can bring a structured approach to creative endeavours.
Although my main responsibilities revolve around coding and developing, I‘ve had the chance to design the websites that my team and I need to develop. Our team does not have an in-house Designer, and when they found out I had a creative background, I have since designed many new features for our websites, utilising my creative skills daily as part of my role. Instead of holding me back, my non-traditional background and wide range of expertise made me a valuable asset to the team and the BBC.
What advice would you give to current students at Varndean College who may be considering balancing creative and STEM paths in their careers?
I would advise current students at Varndean College considering a balance between creative and STEM paths to embrace the combination of these fields. Don’t be afraid to explore the overlap between the arts and sciences. My journey proves that having an unconventional background does not hinder you from pursuing an education and a career in STEM. The versatility in having a unique blend of skills is incredibly valuable in the industry. There is no one right way to a successful career in STEM (and in any industry) — your unique combination of skills and talents can be your biggest asset.
Why is it important to you to inspire and support the next generation of women in STEM?
There is still a great lack of diversity in STEM careers, and we cannot continue to innovate without a diverse community. Women bring unique and exciting perspectives to the field, and the more diverse voices we have, the more comprehensive and impactful products and solutions will be for any challenge.
I want to show young women that STEM paths are an option for us and full of possibilities. Witnessing and experiencing the challenges faced by women in STEM first hand motivates me to inspire and support the next generation. By sharing my story and journey, I hope I can help break down barriers/stereotypes and encourage young women to explore STEM careers, regardless of background.
__Are there any resources, networks, or communities you recommend for aspiring women in the field? __
For any woman aspiring for a career in STEM, I highly recommend exploring organisations and communities dedicated to supporting women in STEM. There are several amazing resources available:
- Organisations: Women in STEM, Women Who Code, Girls Who Code
- Education: There are a few bootcamp providers like Code First Girls who connect aspiring women in STEM to do apprenticeships with leading companies like Barclays, Lloyds, BT and more. They provide bootcamps ranging from software engineering and data science, to product management.
- Participating in local and global tech meetups, conferences, and online forums can help build a strong professional network
Any other advice?
Find a mentor, or speak to women who are working in the field! LinkedIn is a great platform for connecting with inspiring people in the industry. Networking and reaching out is a great step forward on your journey to joining a career in STEM.
