What do I want to do with my life? That is a question that all students ask themselves. With a wide array of career paths to choose from, this can be a daunting decision to make. This dilemma is amplified by the social norms and gender stereotypes in society that often influence career choice.
Gender roles are instilled in children at a young age, when they are taught what is considered “appropriate” behavior based on being male or female. For example, most children are taught that girls play with dolls and boys play with trucks. It’s no wonder automobile mechanics are predominately male and a majority of health care workers are female. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011), men represent approximately 6 percent of employees in health care and social assistance careers, while only 8 percent of women have jobs in automotive repair and maintenance.
Despite these alarming statistics, several students are defying the norm and breaking the mold, pursuing careers in non-traditional fields. Meet Amanda Foster, a student in the welding and metal fabrication program at NMCC.
Originally from Houlton, Foster moved to the Bangor area three years ago with her family. Prior to attending NMCC, she was a photography student at the University of Southern Maine. After attending USM for one year, Foster decided that she wanted to move closer to home, change her career path and pursue her childhood interests.
Foster’s childhood moments with her father influenced her career choice.
“Growing up, my sister and I spent a lot of time with our father in the garage, working on cars,” she said. “I wanted to paint cars because that was something my father did.”
Because of her strong interest in automobiles, Foster wanted to pursue a career in automotive collision repair. After much thought, she decided to do welding and metal fabrication instead. The fact that it is a one-year program was very appealing to her, although she may pursue the automotive collision repair program next fall.
Foster is having a positive experience in the welding and metal fabrication program, stating that her peers and instructors are very helpful. Including Foster, there are only two females in the program. She said that this has not changed her learning experience.
“At first, I wasn’t strong enough to operate some of the tools and machines,” she explained. “My male peers are always willing to help me. If they notice that I am struggling, they come over and help. I don’t even have to ask.”
Foster describes the program as being “fun.” She enjoys the hands-on activities, small classroom setting, and welcoming campus environment.
“People are friendly here and are willing to help out,” Foster added.
Family and friends have been optimistic about Foster’s decision to enter a program that is considered predominantly male.
“When I tell people my major, they are supportive, telling me that employers in this field are looking for both males and females,” explained Foster.
When discussing the challenges of being a female in the program, she commented on her initial feelings of uncertainty.
“I doubted myself at first, asking myself, ‘Can I do this?’ It took me awhile to decide if I should pursue this major. I didn’t know what to expect and I wasn’t sure if I would like it. After a few weeks into the program, I got used to it,” she said.
Now that Foster has acclimated to the program, her confidence in her abilities has improved. When she graduates, she would like to work in a sheet metal shop. If she continues her education and pursues automotive collision repair, her goal is to have her own shop.
Foster offers advice for females considering a career in welding and metal fabrication or automotive collision repair.
“Don’t doubt yourself or worry about it. Give it a try, you might like it,” she said. And how does Foster succeed in class? “Ask questions if you’re unsure. People will help you. Everyone wants you to do well.”
