Mentorship is important for people of all ages in different career stages, but it is especially valuable for younger generations as they navigate their education and career paths. It has long been documented offsite link that women are still underrepresented in various fields and leadership positions. To address this gender gap, GenHERation offsite link — a network where young women and companies connect through a digital platform and nationwide events — aims to empower young women with good mentors and resources to advance in their careers.
Julie Hoover speaks at the North Carolina Space Grant Space Symposium. (Image credit: Photo courtesy of Julie Hoover.)
Julie Hoover, senior communications and STEM engagement specialist with the NASA/NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System, has had the opportunity to participate as a panelist in two of GenHERation’s events where she shared her experience working to support the Joint Polar Satellite System and career advice for emerging professionals. “The GenHERation events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with a large group of students and let them hear advice from women in various industries,” she said. “The panel questions encourage presenters to speak candidly about the obstacles, challenges, and work that led to their success, and I think it’s valuable for the students to hear that everyone’s career takes a different path.”
Since it began, GenHERation has empowered more than 500,000 young women and hosted 750 events across America through partnerships with more than 200 companies and federal agencies, including NOAA and NASA. Working with these partners, the network created workforce development initiatives to help young women learn about career opportunities and to develop the necessary skills to succeed.
The GenHERation events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with a large group of students and let them hear advice from women in various industries.
“One of the pieces of advice I gave the students is: always clean your plate,” said Hoover. “When people offer you an opportunity, get in there and do it the best that you can and make sure you finish the job. The people who clean their plate are the ones who get offered seconds and dessert! When you show people that you are thankful for opportunities, they will think of you in the future. This approach has been life-changing for me.”
