Career Progression Hub
London, UK
Imagine waking up one day and deciding, ‘You know what? I’m going to design robots, or fix planes, or smash through finance.‘ Sounds wild? Exactly. That’s how real change starts.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a PhD, a coding background, or an engineering family tree to enter industries where women are still the minority. What you do need is curiosity, courage, and the willingness to try – even when your brain whispers, ‘you don’t belong here.‘
For many women, that whisper is the loudest barrier. According to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report, women remain underrepresented in industries like construction, tech, aviation, and advanced manufacturing — often making up less than 25% of the workforce. But that statistic isn’t a stop sign. It’s an invitation.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the first step – you just need to be open enough to try.
Why Women Should Explore Non-Traditional Industries
Non-traditional industries are shaping the future: artificial intelligence, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and aerospace are all rewriting what’s possible. Yet these fields urgently need diversity of thought and perspective.
Elon Musk once said, ‘Some people don’t like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.‘ And that’s exactly what’s at stake — innovation stalls without diverse voices.
When women enter these industries, they bring something automation can’t replicate: emotional intelligence, collaboration, communication, and creativity. These aren’t ‘soft’ skills — they’re strategic advantages.
Food for thought: Instead of asking, ‘Would I fit in?’ flip it: ‘What impact could I make just by showing up?‘
Common Barriers (and How to Break Through)
I Don’t Have the Right Background.
That voice in your head telling you ‘nah, not for you’? Yeah, everyone hears it. Here’s how to respond when it pipes Maybe not yet. But think about the skills you already have: organisation, leadership, communication, problem-solving. These translate anywhere.
Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, puts it best:
‘We teach girls to be perfect, and we teach boys to be brave. The world needs more women who are brave.’
Your background isn’t a limitation; it’s a launchpad.
I’ll Be the Only Woman There.
Possibly — at first. But you won’t be the last. Every woman who steps into a room that wasn’t built for her changes the blueprint.
Take Gwynne Shotwell, President of SpaceX. She started as a mechanical engineer in a male-dominated industry and is now one of the most influential leaders in aerospace. She’s proof that pioneering paths are built one step at a time.
It’s Too Late to Start Something New.
Absolutely not. Career pivots happen after parental leave, mid-career, or post-redundancy. Growth doesn’t care about age; it cares about initiative.
How to Explore Non-Traditional Industries
- Get Curious
Start by researching sectors that genuinely intrigue you. Look for companies with active diversity initiatives or returnship programmes for women. Sites like Tech She Can or WISE Campaign spotlight real stories and pathways into male-dominated fields.
Action idea: Follow three women in non-traditional industries on LinkedIn this week. Notice how differently each defines success.
2. Identify Your Transferable Skills
You already have a toolkit — management, teamwork, critical thinking, adaptability. Recognise how these apply beyond your current role.
Reflection: What’s one skill you’ve honed that could add value in a new context?
3. Upskill Where You Need To
If there’s a gap, close it in manageable steps. Platforms like FutureLearn, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable ways to gain technical or industry-specific knowledge.
Try this: Dedicate 30 minutes a week to a new course aligned with your desired industry.
4. Find Your People
Join communities that support women entering male-dominated spaces. Groups like STEMettes, Women in Tech, and Women’s Engineering Society provide mentorship, advice, and connection.
Tip: Attend one event — virtual or in-person. Your network often grows from the first conversation.
5. Take the Leap
Sometimes the best way to know if it’s for you is just to… try. Apply for the job, attend the workshop, sign up for the event.The first step always feels uncertain — but it’s also where confidence begins.
Food for thought: What’s the smallest, scariest YES you could say to yourself this week?
You Belong — Even If It Feels Like You Don’t
There’s no single ‘type’ of woman who succeeds in non-traditional industries. Some are introverts, others are extroverts. Some are fresh graduates, others are mothers returning to work. The common thread? They dared to try.
Research from the World Economic Forum consistently shows that companies with greater gender diversity outperform their peers. You’re not a ‘diversity hire’ — you’re an essential part of the innovation equation.
So, if you’ve ever wondered why women should explore non-traditional industries, here’s the answer: because the future needs your perspective, your leadership, and your voice.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be brave enough to begin.
Ready to Take the Leap? Start Here.
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