Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Layne Husted
Sr. Systems Technologist @ Motorola Solutions
Layne is an accomplished field engineer who is starting her Girlstart volunteer journey with this series. Following the lead of someone who changed her life early on, Layne hopes to inspire young girls to aspire to great things.
What advice do you have for Girlstart girls who are considering a path in STEM?
My best advice? Don’t be afraid to fall. My best learning moments have been when I fell and had to make the choice to get back up even though it hurt and sometimes, I didn’t want to because it was painful. Learn to realize that if you fall it is a lesson and that you can’t stay down. Cry or talk to your friends to find strength, but always get up again and don’t let the past make you afraid to move forward. Remind yourself when those moments happen that you can make it through and will make it. But most importantly – don’t let the past keep you from truly living. We get one life to live and I believe that the biggest tragedy in life is being so afraid of failing that you play it safe and never truly challenge yourself to know how deep you can go if you push yourself.
What is your favorite thing about being a Systems Technologist?
The freedom and flexibility found in this field. You have the ability to be whatever you want and go wherever you want in this field. How far you decide to go in this field is determined by your ingenuity, drive, and desire.
Why do you think instilling STEM confidence in girls is important?
Confidence is important because too many girls believe that the STEM fields are for men and that the math/programming/theories/methods you take in a STEM field are too difficult. It’s important to instill in girls that they are every bit as capable as guys at engaging in these fields because we need women in this field. Women bring thoughts, ideas, and opinions that are unique – it’s important that those thoughts get heard in the STEM field.
Is there anything else you want to add?
STEM is a rewarding field; it’s limited only by your ingenuity, drive, and how far you determine you want to go. It has so many options for growth and avenues you can explore as you get into the field. I started out as a programmer and it wasn’t for me; because I had an interest even back in college in systems work, I decided to try being a systems analyst. Now, three years later, I work as a systems engineer and love what I do. I’m challenged, get to travel, and have met many amazing people who share my love for technology. The point of this? Don’t be afraid to say that something isn’t for you and to change direction. It’s okay to admit something isn’t your cup of tea and that you want to make a change. STEM is amazing because you have so many options. If one door isn’t right for you there is always another door you can try that may be a better fit for you.
