Banking Giant Opening Doors for Women in Stem
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BANKING GIANT OPENING DOORS FOR WOMEN IN STEM
For women in STEM, success can feel like a steep climb. A mountaineer in more ways than one – she has scaled a 4811 metre mountain three times – Dr Sahar Sohrabi is used to tough terrain. Her Everest, however, has proven closer to home.
“My biggest challenge has been to believe I can. I can reach the highest level of education, I can learn new skills, I can push myself to achieve what I desire and deserve,” Sahar said.
Sahar is far from alone in questioning her place in the male dominated world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly in her field.
“I have a PhD in software and electrical engineering. There are few women studying STEM degrees, let alone in this area,” added Sahar.
APR.Intern is working with industry leaders such as ANZ to open career pathways for women in STEM. Sahar is one of three women recently employed by the bank on the back of internships.
“We are proud to support APR Intern and Sahar on her internship with ANZ. It is one of the many programs we are advocating to elevate women in leadership and technology,”
Jennifer Scott, ANZ General Manager of Digital Transformation & Performance
With a PhD focusing on applying machine learning techniques to improve the energy efficiency of Cloud computing, Sahar ticks all the boxes. Thanks to APR.Intern and ANZ, she is helping blaze a trail on her way to a future in industry research.
“Hands on experience in the banking sector was invaluable to further improve my technical skills and build the soft skills needed to deliver projects in an industry setting,”
Sahar Sohrabi, PhD Intern at ANZ
Gender equity is a business imperative for ANZ with growing demand for creative, critical thinkers with the skills to turn technological advancement into opportunities.
“Extending the search for talent beyond banking and into STEM disciplines helps us create diverse and innovative teams equipped for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Jennifer.
As they build this capability, industry leaders such as ANZ and programs such as APR.Intern have a real and powerful role to play in closing the gender gap. With innovation firmly on Australia’s agenda, more women like Sahar at the summit can only be a good thing.
Gender equity is a business imperative for ANZ with growing demand for creative, critical thinkers with the skills to turn technological advancement into opportunities.
