In spite of what you may think, there’s no such thing as a “man’s job” or a “woman’s job.” Skill requirements don’t have a gender, so why should jobs?

 

Nontraditional Careers for Men and Women

Occupations that are nontraditional for women are those where at least 75 percent of the workers are male. Nontraditional occupations for men are at least 75 percent female. View this list to explore careers and expand your options.

Skill Sets in Nontraditional Careers

Did you know that registered nurses use many of the same skills as civil engineers? Or that the skills for construction managers are a lot like those for meeting and convention planners? Skill requirements don’t have a gender. Click here to assess your skills. 

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

STEM is short for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. It is a growing cluster of careers. Although many STEM occupations are male dominated, some are female dominated. Others are an even mix of men and women. Click here for more information about STEM careers. 

Nontraditional Career Resources

Looking for more? Find national and state-specific help and resources.

Thinking about — or already in — a nontraditional career? Need information or support? There are plenty of resources and organizations that can help.

Virginia Organizations

National Association of Women in Construction – Roanoke Valley Chapter
Provides information on the local chapter of NAWIC. Includes a scholarship page.

 

 National Organizations

  • U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau
    Seeks to improve the status of wage-earning women and their working conditions, increase their efficiency, and advance their opportunities for profitable employment. It offers up-to-date statistics on women in nontraditional fields.
  • Wider Opportunity for Women
    Supports women working in nontraditional fields. It also includes a unit that focuses on self-sufficiency for older working women.
  • I Was Wondering
    Showcases notable accomplishments of contemporary women. The site draws from a 10-volume series of biographies entitled “Women’s Adventures in Science.”
  • Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW)
    Unifies union women, identifies their common problems, and find solutions to those problems.
  • 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women
    Focuses on advancing and protecting women’s rights at work. This site offers resources to help women deal with sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, work-family balance, and more.
  • Men Teach
    Provides data and resources for men considering a career in teaching.
  • Association for Women in Science
    Focuses on advocacy and breaking down barriers for women in science. Visit this site to find resources, mentoring, awards, internships, and job listings.
  • National Association of Women in Construction
    Strives to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.
  • IEEE – Women in Engineering
    Dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists. Seeks to inspire, engage, encourage, and empower IEEE women worldwide.
  • Association for Women in Mathematics
    Provides a clearinghouse of information for women in math-related fields, including scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
  • Engineer Girl
    Helps girls considering a career in engineering. Be sure to check out the “Ask an Engineer” feature.