Women in Climate (WiC) network
Women in Climate (WiC) network
Posted by Penny Maher
17 January 2025We recently had the pleasure of hosting a one-hour Intentional Career coaching workshop for female scientists, led by the inspiring Dr Hannah Roberts, who joined us online. Dr Roberts, a leading expert in career development for women in STEM, introduced participants to her Career PivotsÂŽď¸ Compass methodologyâa six-step process designed to help professionals find balance, confidence, and fulfilment. The workshop challenged the idea that working harder and longer leads to career success, instead emphasising the importance of intentional actions to create a purposeful and valued career. Attendees were guided through practical strategies to assess their current stage in the Intentional Careerâ˘ď¸ journey and identify what shifts are needed to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Dr Roberts brought a wealth of expertise to the session. As the founder of Intentional Careersâ˘ď¸, author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Intentional Careers for STEM Women, and host of the top 5% global podcast Women in STEM Career & Confidence, her insights were invaluable. With her background as a scientist, mother of three, and former managing director in both academia and corporate sectors, she provided participants with real-world strategies to tackle challenges such as the capability trap and career values conflicts. The session left attendees with clear action steps and a renewed sense of direction, empowered by Dr Roberts’ passion for helping women design careers that are both fulfilling and sustainable.
During the event, participants were asked a thought-provoking question: Has your career unfolded by chance, or have you actively shaped it? For many of us, the idea of careers happening without much intention struck a chord. Itâs easy to fall into a path that simply presents itself, but the session emphasised the importance of taking control and being more purposeful in steering our professional journeys.
The discussion explored common reactions when weâre dissatisfied with our work. Some people grit their teeth and bear it, others quietly disengage, while a few might speak up to instigate change or even decide to leave. However, the key takeaway was that to move from an unfulfilling career to one that is purposeful and valued, we need to be intentional. Rather than letting careers âjust happenâ, itâs crucial to actively plan and focus on where we want to go.
Several strategies were shared to help take charge of your career. Time and energy management was a key point, recognising that itâs essential to prioritise tasks that align with long-term goals. Overcoming perceived limitations and building leadership pathways were also highlighted as critical steps in career growth. For those feeling stuck, the idea of a career pivotâchanging direction to better align with personal valuesâwas presented as a valuable option.
Finally, we were warned about two common career traps. The first is thinking that your career defines your identityâa mindset that can limit personal fulfilment. The second is the capability trap, where just because youâre good at something, you assume you should pursue it. Instead, the session encouraged us to focus on our natural talents and strengths, building a career that brings satisfaction and aligns with what we truly enjoy, rather than simply what weâre capable of doing.