Yale Bulletin and Calendar

February 20, 2004|Volume 32, Number 19

Wasserman to women science students: 'Become a consumer of jobs'

Women should be selective when seeking employment in the science fields, despite the fact that their numbers are growing, scientist and scholar Elga Wasserman recently advised a group of Yale students.

Wasserman was one of the speakers at a special event titled "A Conversation on Successful Careers in Science," held this month at the School of Medicine.

Currently a research scholar at the Law School, Wasserman served in the 1960s as assistant dean of the Yale Graduate School overseeing graduate science programs. President Kingman Brewster asked her to help shepherd in the first class of women at Yale in 1968. She has 12 years experience as a research assistant in industry and was a practicing attorney for 18 years, having earned her degree in 1976 at the Law School. This month she was named a fellow of The Association for Women in Science in recognition of her commitment to recruitment, retention and advancement of women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering fields.

The Feb. 3 event at the medical school was co-sponsored by the Offices of Women in Medicine and Academic Development; the Postdoctoral Office; and Women in Science at Yale. In addition to Wasserman, the featured speakers included Ilsa Schwartz, a professor of otolaryngology and neurobiology; Jennifer Morgan, a postdoctoral fellow; and Ann Miller, a graduate student.

The topic of discussion was jobs: deciding what one wants, applying, interviewing and -- just as important, advised the speakers -- negotiating a salary, support staff and equipment.

"Become a consumer of jobs," Wasserman told the audience of women science students. "You would never go out and buy a car without having driven it, knowing someone who owns it, and knowing the market for other cars. People don't apply that consumer mentality to jobs, especially women, because they feel that they are still handicapped in getting a job."

Wasserman said the first step in finding the right job -- deciding what kind of work you would like to do -- develops and changes over the course of a lifetime. She pointed out that women entering science fields need to think about what they like most, whether it is teaching or research; whether they like to work solo or as part of a collaboration; and whether or not they enjoy a competitive environment. They also should weigh factors such as location, whether they enjoy working in an urban area or in the country, she added.

"Look at where you would like to be 10 and 20 years down the road," Wasserman said. "And network about the place -- how many women work there, are they happy, and if they left, why they left. Learn to sell yourself. Follow up to see that all of your letters of reference are in."

In the interview, she told the audience, be clear about your career expectations and ask about salary, benefits, family leave, cost of living increases, housing, day care, hours, duties, space and support staff. Always get an offer in writing, she cautioned, adding that the person who is interviewing you may not be there when the actual hiring takes place.

Wasserman said women should not be in awe of elite institutions and told the students they might find they would be happier at a school that is less prestigious, but that better meets their needs.

If asked how they plan to juggle work and home, Wasserman suggested the students use the following reply: "I would not have gone into such a demanding profession if I didn't think I could manage my personal and my professional life."

-- By Jacqueline Weaver

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