The Students’ Union has a Women’s Officer on the Student Leadership Team – they are in post to represent the needs and views of female students here at Aston and ensure your university experience is the best it can possibly be. You can contact them by email.
There are a number of societies here at Aston that are designed to create inclusive networks and support women at Aston, including Aston Women in Business and Women in Engineering, Science & Technology. Take a look at the full list of student-led societies and get all the details on how to join.
Listening Ear is a pastoral support drop-in service based on campus. It offers the following support for students, regardless of religious affiliation: confidential, non-judgemental listening; help in times of distress; signposting to specialist sources of help (including faith contacts if you wish).
There are a variety of mentoring schemes available at Aston which are designed to enable students, alumni and professionals alike to have the opportunity to support the Aston student community, develop skills, expand networks and share experiences. You will have the opportunity to engage in mentoring activities at every stage of your learning journey.
The following organisations and resources can offer further support and advice:
Equality and Human Rights Commission: sex discrimination - Find out more about the Equality Act and what it says about sex discrimination.
TARGETjobs: equality and diversity issues, and your graduate job hunt - You can find advice on a range of key equality and diversity issues in this article. They look at your rights during the recruitment process, disclosing information to your employers and more.
Acas: equal pay - Find out more about equal pay and the law, when differences in pay might be allowed and what to do if you’re not getting equal pay.
Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers - This is a definitive list of UK-based organisations that promote inclusion across all protected characteristics, throughout each level of employment within their organisation.
Prospects: opportunities for women in engineering - In this article, Prospects shares advice for aspiring female engineers as well as information about why more female engineers are needed and how women in the industry are recognised.
Totaljobs Guides - If you’ve got questions about work equality, take a look at these expert guides from Totaljobs which cover topics such as how to ask for a pay rise, gender transitioning in the workplace, what it’s like to be deaf in the workplace and more.
Women in Banking and Finance - A not-for-profit organisation with branches all over the country, Women in Banking and Finance offer networking events, development programmes and leadership opportunities.
There are a range of programmes, initiatives and events which are designed specifically for female students and graduates. Some of these open up or take place at various points throughout the year. We’ve listed some below, as well as a selection of inclusive jobs portals which you could use to look for opportunities:
Code First Girls
Code First Girls are dedicated to transforming tech by providing the skills, space and inspiration for women to become developers and future leaders. They can help you improve your tech skills, build your professional network and connect you to exciting jobs and opportunities.
FreshLook
FreshLook is a profile-raising virtual event specifically designed to introduce first year and second year female students to a wide range of careers in investment banking.
STEM Women
STEM Women run regular careers events for students and graduates studying STEM subjects who identify as women in STEM. Event attendees network with top graduate employers, hear inspirational talks, participate in skills and panel sessions and more.
TARGETjobs
TARGETjobs have created a series of events to give students the advice, confidence and contacts they need to secure their dream career, such as IT’s not just for the boys! and Future Female Engineers. They also run the annual Undergraduate of the Year Awards which has a category for the Female Undergraduate of the Year Award.
VERCIDA
VERCIDA is the UK’s largest diversity and inclusion-focused career hub for recruiters and jobseekers. As well as promoting jobs with inclusive employers, they provide resources for a range of applicants including, those with disabilities, those aged over 50, LGBTQ+ applicants, religious applicants and more.