Conventional career advice for women in science and engineering — “lean in,” “self-promote,” “get a mentor,” “stop being a perfectionist” — is often presented as common sense, yet rarely examined for evidence. Such advice shifts responsibility for inequity onto women while neglecting the structural barriers that shape careers. Drawing on published data, this talk challenges the myths behind popular prescriptions and highlights what actually matters: strong, accountable institutional leadership and genuine allyship from men. For women entering scientific careers, the key isn’t personal reinvention but finding (and helping to create) environments where equity is built into the system.
