Last Spring, Syracuse student and chemical engineering major Erin O’Donnell interviewed Professor Francesca Parotti as part of her internship with UNESCO on women in STEM to find out what it’s like to work as a woman engineer in Italy.
When were you introduced to STEM education?
I’ve always loved scientific subjects and attended a high school that specialized in applied sciences (liceo scientifico sperimentale).
What piqued your interest to receive a higher education degree in it?
I’ve always been fascinated by numbers, and by studying complex objects I was able to understand the world around me.
What field of engineering do you have a degree in? Do you have additional degrees? If so, what?
I have a Master’s degree in civil engineering and a PhD in science and material technologies.
Do you hold a position in which you hire people? If yes, how many women applicants do you see with respect to male applicants?
No, I’m a freelancer and work for myself.
Have you ever seen men hired over women who were more qualified ?
Of course, yes! In my field (construction) there are so many prejudices about women. Older people especially look at me like an alien when I arrive at a building site to do my job.
What is your current specific job description?
I’m a ProStructural designer, safety manager, and construction manager.
When you direct men in the workplace do you find that you are not respected? How so?
At first men don’t seem to take me seriously and they give their opinion even if they’re not qualified to (mansplaining). Then, when they realize that I’m firm, competent and stubborn, they accept my leadership. Sometimes they even end up telling me that women are better bosses than men!
Do older or younger men give you more respect?
It depends more on their level of awareness and maturity than their age.
Do you have anything else to say?
Please keep fighting for gender equality!