SWE - Spring 2008 - (Page 14) shelf while another one forms the cornerstone of significant social change? For one, the subject matter and methodology often determine the impact. In many cases, the research is significant primarily within the confines of the discipline in which it becomes part of the body of knowledge. However, timing and social conditions are additional factors at work. The retention study was undertaken and released during a historic moment of great concern about the United States’ ability to remain competitive; at a time when the issues surrounding underrepresented groups in STEM are receiving more attention; and at a time when greater momentum is underway to address those issues. The retention study is naturally of high interest to the engineering community because it provides information on the state of the profession. The methodology is solid, ENGINEERING GEOLOGY/GEOPHYSICS PETROPHYSICS PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT/PROCESS RESEARCH Innovation is a way of life at Shell. We operate at the leading edge of technology, solving the world’s biggest energy challenges. Our technical leadership begins with technical expertise. Which is why we work so hard to attract and develop people like you – today’s talent and tomorrow’s leaders. At Shell, you can rely on receiving great training -- along with real responsibility. And within our global business, there will be many opportunities to match your aspirations. So if you want to achieve more in your career, get together with Shell. Please visit our careers website at www.shell.com/careers and the results clarify what many had an inkling of. The study legitimizes and gives credence to individual experiences and, by doing so, also points the way to solutions. It is important to keep in mind that the SWE Corporate Partnership Council funded the study as part of an effort to retain more women engineers in the work force. Based on the information provided by the study, these companies can find meaningful solutions, and both establish and share best practices. Consequently, what at another time might have been regarded more or less as a narrow, industrybased study has taken on a much broader social significance. In addition, through its public policy and other efforts, the Society has built an infrastructure to ensure that the issues — as well as the data backing them up — do not go unheeded. Next Steps There are a variety of possible next steps. For the individual SWE member, Michelle Tortolani succinctly addressed this in her President’s Note column, appearing in the conference 2007 issue of SWE. “How do the results of the retention study benefit you?” she asked. Tortolani stated that by conducting the study and disseminating the results, the Society is fulfilling an essential component of its mission. In fact, the SWE mission obligates us to promote these results. Certainly members can take pride in being part of the force that champions and improves the retention of women in the engineering work force. But in a more immediate and day-to-day sense, she states that, “Early application of the findings by our corporate partners and their sharing of best practices will be integrated into our professional development programs.” In a broader sense, as policymakers continue to focus on STEM fields, U.S. competitiveness, and gender bias, SWE will continue to be a resource. The seeds have been planted so that when additional kernels of information are available from the study, editors and journalists can take note. I Shell is an Equal Opportunity Employer Find it The right career direction 14 SWE SPRING 2008 http://www.shell.com/careers http://www.shell.com/careers
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