+ Patent & Trade Marks Attorney
+ Chemist
+ Avid tennis player & watcher
What drew you to study STEM
I loved Maths at school, and I was encouraged by my parents. There weren’t too many choices when I went to uni so I opted for a BSc in Maths and Chemistry. I found Chemistry more interesting than Maths at uni, so I continued on to an MSc in Chemistry.
Was working in IP always part of your career plan, or was it something that presented to you during your journey?
I did not know about IP when I started out at uni or in the first few years of my working life. I worked for a company in the UK (electric vehicle battery design) and they were patenting everything. I thought it would be an interesting career to get into, and I was fortunate to make a connection with Wrays soon after I arrived in Australia in 1990.
Which inspiring women did you look up to as you were growing up and why?
I was not aware of women leaders in the early years of my career. However I was fortunate that I was able to work with many talented men at uni/early working life and these people were willing to generously share their knowledge and skills with me and my colleagues (women and men).
Who do you look up to now and why?
I have been impressed with women in WA who have used skill and innovation in the field of medicine to benefit the community and to save lives, and at the same time have contributed economically, for example Fiona Wood and Fiona Stanley.
What role do you think we all need to play in supporting a greater uptake of women in STEM?
Continuing education programs, especially at an early stage eg in schools, so that young women/ people, are aware of the great career choices (and wide range of options) available to them if they pursue a career in STEM.
As experienced practitioners in the community (in STEM), we should be looking out for opportunities to share our career stories with young women.
Is there any advice you would like to share with women embarking on a STEM career?
Keep an open mind and look for a pathway where you will love the nature of the work. For example, I started out as an industrial research chemist which was interesting but it took years before any real progress could be made and the value of the work could be realised. I was fortunate that I came across a job in IP by chance, and entered a profession that has been exceptionally interesting, stimulating, fun and rewarding. Also, try to talk to as many people as possible in a wide range of careers that are based on STEM.
What do you hope to see from women in STEM of the future?
A confidence when entering a STEM career ie to see entering STEM as “normal”, like any other career, and not to be intimidated by outdated assumptions that careers in STEM are not for women. Step into the world of STEM and enjoy the stimulation and interest of the work!
Get connected
+ 08 9216 5100
+ janet.stead@wrays.com.au
+ in/janetstead