Bridget Mendler, and Key Career Considerations 💜

Thinking about changing career? Read Bridget Mendler’s story and read some ways to change your mindset and choose the right employer for you 💜

STEMspiration ⭐️

Getting into STEM is often talked about as a linear academic pipeline, but the idea that there’s only one ‘right’ way to get into a STEM career just isn’t true, and this week, we’re highlighting a woman whose career challenges that narrative… Bridget Mendler.

Mendler is widely known for her early career as a Disney Channel actor and pop musician, and despite her success, Mendler decided to leave entertainment and return to education. She earned a degree in anthropology, which ignited a passion for the intersection between technology and human behaviour. Leading her to pursue a master’s and PhD at MIT in areas linked to satellite communications and advanced technology systems.

She eventually co-founded Northwood Space, a satellite ground-station technology company focused on improving space communications infrastructure.

This return into education meant that Mendler had to start from scratch, in technical environments where her previous experience not only carried little weight but was used as a tool to undermine her valuable thoughts and ideas. Despite being often one of the few women in a room dominated by male engineers and researchers, she committed herself to rigorous scientific training and research.

Mendler’s journey acts as a reminder that entering STEM later does not make someone less legitimate. Instead, she brought soft skills like communication and creativity, which aren’t typically seen in STEM, to bridge the gaps between technology, users and a real-world impact. When we move beyond rigid pipelines and welcome non-linear pathways, we don’t just diversify who enters STEM, we strengthen the field itself.

Career Corner ⭐️

Reframing Your Words For Success

Many of us soften our ideas without even realising it. We can add small phrases that shrink our authority and apologise for taking up the space to voice our suggestions. However, with a conscious effort, these habits are easy to unlearn!

💜Avoid saying: “This might be a silly question but…” 

Instead try: “I have a question about…”

💜Avoid saying: “I’m not sure, but I think…”

Instead try “Based on what I’ve seen, I think…”

💜Avoid saying: “If that makes sense”

Instead try: saying nothing at all. Your ideas make sense.

These small shifts in language can change how confidently your ideas are received.

Picking the Right Employer 

Identifying red and green flags can be an incredibly useful tool in making informed career decisions. By learning how to spot signs of a healthy, supportive workplace, you can avoid roles that lead to burnout or stagnation. Here are some signs to look out for:

💚Green Flags

• Clear salary ranges: It shows transparency and fair pay practices
• Interviewers explaining the next steps clearly
• Laying out your specific responsibilities within the role

❤️Red flags

• Dismissing questions about workload during interviews
• “Fast-paced environment” with no support mentioned: implies that they’re understaffed
• Overloaded requirements for entry-level positions: shows unrealistic expectations
• Pressuring you to accept an offer immediately

Get Involved

Got an idea for newsletter segments? Let us know by replying to this email! If you’re a STEM employer >> talk to me about your plans to improve inclusivity for women in STEM, let’s see how we can get you there together.  If you’re a woman in STEM >> reach out and have your story featured! Young women need to see the generation of women before them working in industry to be inspired, that could be you!

Thanks for being part of feminSTEM.
Erin 💜
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