Why did you decide to join WiMS?
My interest in WiMS comes from several years of working in highly man-dominated fields. I have experienced first hand the struggles that young women face when they decide to pursue careers in these fields. A few years ago I wished I had the support that I hope WiMS will now be able to give other women.
What would you like to achieve during your time in the Steering Committee?
I hope that we will get our different planned activities up and running. I hope our network will keep growing and that our members will feel that a WiMS membership is valuable for them.
I hope WiMS will help women in their professional development through different sources of support (training resources, fellowship opportunities, mentoring etc.).
And I hope that we have managed to inspire more young women to pursue careers in marine science, that WiMS has contributed to a higher number of women in panels, as keynote speakers and as leaders.
Why should women marine scientists join WiMS?
WiMS is an excellent place to meet and share experiences with other women working in marine science. We believe that WiMS will be a place for networking but also for career/professional development. We hope to be able to provide online training resources, fellowship opportunities and many more activities for our members in the near future.
As a member of WiMS you will never be alone in your work – you will have a whole network of women covering your back!
Do you have any advice for young women planning to pursue careers in marine science?
Never stop being curious. Ask questions and ask again if you don’t understand. No one expects you to know everything. Ask for help if you need it.
Work hard but don’t forget to take time for yourself and your family and friends. Set goals but don’t forget to celebrate your achievements.
Follow your dreams and be brave. And don’t forget to have fun.
And, it’s possible to work in marine science even without a degree in marine sciences. Don’t panic if you suddenly feel the urge to work in marine science and currently are studying/working with something else. The marine science field needs plenty of people from different backgrounds.