[Tweet “I’ll never forget the look on her face and her terse response, “You should do something more. Too many young girls want to be fashion designers.””]

I was TWELVE people, but that comment stuck with me. When it came time to go to college, I would not listen to anyone who suggested I take the “typical girl” path. And now, as I sit in my current role as engineering manager for a privately held oil and gas company, I take offense to the term “typical girl” anything. So how did I get here? How do YOU answer that all familiar question? And seriously, what DO you want to be when you grow up?

First, it’s important to note that if you can’t answer any of the aforementioned questions, then you are not alone. Many people struggle to figure out what career path they want to pursue, and it’s not a concern strictly constrained by gender either. Men and women alike pour over the boundless opportunities that exist after high school, college, graduate school or even medical school. One key area where the difference lies, however, is in the gentle nudge they may get in one direction or another.

My earlier story clearly shows that I was discouraged from a typical career for women. I might add that at that time, I didn’t even know there were careers more specifically suited for men or women. And now, I realize that my twelve-year old self, in all of its naivety was actually correct. There truly are not careers more suited for men or women. [Tweet “Stereotypes exist. I chose to, and I continue to choose to ignore them. I suggest you do the same.”]

If you enjoy chemistry, then seek out opportunities and careers that can help you hone your chemistry skills. (I may add that periodic tables make for great home décor…think Big Bang Theory). Please do not be discouraged by engineering since you hear it’s a male-dominated field. I got a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and it was difficult. It wasn’t difficult, because I’m a woman. It was difficult, because it’s difficult! Study, do your homework and hone your skills.

Science, technology, engineering and math are incredible fields for men and women alike. But as a woman, you should not be discouraged from pursuing any of the above due to the more prominent presence of dudes. For me, the reasons TO pursue such a career greatly exceeded the reasons NOT to pursue the STEM careers. The only reason not to was purely fear; fear of failure, fear of not fitting in, fear it will be too hard, fear of (fill in the blank). The reasons TO pursue the careers though are far more intriguing: to stretch yourself past your comfort zone and learn you can do it, to be a positive role model for other young ladies who were once in your shoes, to make good money and support yourself.

So, my friends, please be prepared to hear “so what do you want to be when you grow up?” even after you have, in fact, grown up and started your career. Just don’t be afraid to answer, “I will be whatever I want, and I will be amazing.”

If you liked this article, check out some of our other advice posts.