Women in Field Service Progress, But Its Just a Start
Technology fields have long been dominated by men, and although there has been significant progress to bring more gender diversity into tech roles, men still occupy more positions in tech fields than women. For example, according to CIO magazine, women make up 47% of all employed adults in the U.S., but the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) estimates that women hold only 25% of computing roles in the U.S.
There is evidence that women have made inroads into various fields relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to The United States Census Bureau, the percentage of STEM positions occupied by women has risen significantly from a paltry 8% in 1970, but even today, only 27% of STEM positions are occupied by women.
Field service is one industry that has long been male-dominated, but it is now seeing an influx of female technicians and leaders. Field service organizations are focusing more intently on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives to open their organizations to women, especially women of color. Many organizations are also openly addressing challenging topics regarding their hiring practices, such as unconscious bias.
Still, evidence suggests there is significant progress to be made.
Women Still Face Significant Challenges in Field Service Positions
In an interview published in Field Service Digital, a publication by ServiceMax, authors asked women field service leaders to describe "what it's really like to work in field service."
According to Mirian Herold-Young, Business Process Manager for Arbon Equipment Corporation, unconscious bias in promotion and hiring decisions is a particular challenge: "People, without realizing it, promote people that they identify with. It's a natural human behavior. This can lead to a lack of diversity, not just in gender, but also in thought and experience. Breaking through that barrier and showing management that you are capable despite being different from them is one of the biggest challenges."
Meanwhile, Cathy Klein, Global Transformation Lead with Sensor Matic Solutions, said gender stereotypes are still a significant barrier: "When I started working in Field Service, most of the females had one type of role and most of the men had another. It was a challenge to 'cross that line' into different roles or be thought of as someone that could understand the technical aspects of our systems and processes. Or to be thought of as someone that enjoys hands-on work."
Meanwhile, a female Project Manager at Nolan Power Group said the assumptions colleagues make about their female co-workers can lead to challenges: "Women are not always viewed as knowledgeable in what happens in the field. For me, it means that the techs do not always trust that the systems we are putting into place are realistic for their needs."
Women in Field Service Leadership Positions Are Thriving
Despite these challenges, there have also been some positive developments for women in field service. More women are beginning to enter leadership positions in the field service industry, and they are providing inspiration, guidance, and expertise to help other women who hope to break into the field.
For example, the president and CEO of U.S. Pest Protection, Erica Brister, was recently appointed by Tennessee State Governor Bill Lee to the Tennessee Pest Control Advisor Board. The Board influences laws and regulations in the state and advises the commissioner.
Brister was a panelist on 'The Voice of Women in Field Service' and won the "Top Women-Owned Business" award in Nashville, Tennessee in 2020. She has also been recognized extensively for her work, both locally and by other organizations.
"I am focused on continuing to develop safe practices for the pest control industry and protecting what matters most for all Tennesseans," said Brister.
Female Field Service Leaders Are Paving the Way for Others
Female field service leaders are also speaking openly about their experiences to help other women overcome obstacles and enter field service leadership. For example, Sarah Nicastro, Vice President of Customer Advocacy at IFS and creator of Future of Field Service, often blogs about how women can identify and overcome challenges in their field service careers.
In a recent article, Nicastro relayed an interview she conducted with Amanda Moore, Head of IT - Customer Projects, Support & Field Services at Schneider Electric. Moore suggests women in field service do three things to overcome challenges and succeed: Stand up for yourself, push outside your comfort zone, and build "your tribe."
"Surround yourself with the best people, even if they're smarter than you, and people who are different than you," said Moore. "You need that to attack all the angles and to be the most effective that you can in your job and to grow. Together, you and your tribe will help you achieve your goals."
Don't Miss the Next Field Service Conference
Women thriving in field service is sure to be a hot topic at the next Field Service conference, happening from November 16th to 18th at the JW Marriott in Palm Springs, California. Download the agenda today to learn more.