How Online Learning Helps Women in STEM: Perspectives from MIT xPRO Learners

A survey conducted by global consulting firm McKinsey & Company revealed that “during the first 12 months of the pandemic, top-decile economic performers innovated nearly twice as fast as their low-performing peers in generating new products and services.” 

Although research shows there are no cognitive biological differences between women’s and men’s science and math abilities, women remain underrepresented in STEM jobs, constituting just 35% of the lucrative STEM workforce. The factors contributing to this gender gap are varied, and the barriers are more significant for women of color.

Women in STEM who choose to have families face even more obstacles, as working women are more likely than working men to adjust their careers for the family and take on household responsibilities. The current childcare crisis is only making matters worse.  

AAUW, an organization leading the fight for fair pay and economic opportunity for women, suggests that “work[ing] to retain and promote women throughout their careers with strong advancement pipelines and continued professional development and leadership training” is critical to closing the STEM gap. 

Online learning is an excellent opportunity for women in STEM to advance their careers and continue their professional development due to its flexibility, accessibility, and feasible time commitment. 

In honor of Women's History Month, MIT xPRO recently asked women who have taken our courses how online learning has helped them achieve their goals.

Online Learning Is Flexible

Many online learning courses are asynchronous, allowing for increased flexibility. Learners can complete work at their own pace without worrying about attending classes at set times. 

“Online learning has definitely changed the way I can advance in my career,” said Irina Winter-Arboleda, who completed the course Executive Leadership Principles and works as an Internal Auditor in Quantitative Modeling at Fannie Mae. “I have the flexibility of taking classes while working remotely and still have time to take care of my home.”

Janet Dickinson, Chief Operating Officer at Endeavor 3D, agreed, “Online courses provide the flexibility needed to balance work, home, and learning.” Janet took Additive Manufacturing for Innovative Design and Production to deepen her understanding of industrial 3D printing.

Dayse Araujo, a System Engineer at Boeing, shared that she has been taking the online course Architecture and Systems Engineering: Models and Methods to Manage Complex Systems while on maternity leave. “The flexibility helped me a lot with my new routine and [made] this course possible to me,” said Dayse. 

Online Learning Is Accessible 

Online learning empowers anyone to take courses from highly reputable institutions like MIT from anywhere in the world without going through a lengthy application process. All you need is an internet connection, and you can access the courses from the comfort and convenience of your home.

“If the classes were held only in person, I wouldn't have been able to attend,” said Janet. “The time it would have taken in person would have disrupted my ability to maintain the other aspects of my life.”

Other learners agreed, saying they wouldn't have been able to take a break from their careers or leave their kids.

Online Learning Is Reasonable 

Time and monetary constraints can prohibit women in STEM from continuing their education. However, online learning is generally less expensive and time-consuming than in-person programs. With no expectations to commute to campus regularly or travel for an immersive in-person experience, women in STEM can fit online learning into lives that pull them in many directions.

Irina recalls, “We had a last-minute trip to Virginia to attend my husband’s graduation. I had to take a couple of days out of work, and since my classes were online, I was able to finish the last assignments while traveling and the kids were playing in the other room.” 

Enroll in an Online Course to Achieve Your Goals 

There is, of course, much work to be done to close the STEM gap and empower women to thrive in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

During early education, teachers and parents can stop underestimating girls’ math and science abilities due to gender stereotypes and make an effort to expose them to role models who look like them. Colleges and universities can create more welcoming and inclusive cultures for women pursuing STEM degrees. The workforce can eliminate pay disparities that result in women in STEM earning less than men. 

MIT xPRO is committed to doing our part to close the STEM gap by providing learning opportunities to women in STEM.

“Institutions like MIT xPRO offer a wealth of knowledge, allowing learners to enhance their expertise within a well-established educational framework. The results are nothing short of remarkable: comprehensive learning experiences delivered through a proven platform. It helped me understand a new industry,” said Janet. 

Check out MIT xPRO’s course catalog to learn more about our online learning offerings.