2020's LGBT Leaders STEM is almost here - why should you apply?

This year's LGBT Leaders STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is taking place on February 15th, 2020.

For those who may not have heard of LGBT Leaders, it is a series of conferences organised by PinkNews - the aim of which is to tackle the 41% of undergraduates who go back into the closet after being hired for their first job.

An international survey conducted by Vodafone showed that more than half of LGBT+ employees aren't out at work because they fear that they will face discrimination from managers and colleagues.

LGBT Leaders STEM is looking to change that statistic, and, in doing so, change the fear that LGBT+ people experience all too often in the workplace.

The event also focuses on addressing the under-representation of LGBT+ people in STEM roles, as LGBT+ people are 20% less represented within STEM roles than expected.

It is the only event in the UK that specifically looks to connect STEM degree graduates with industry representatives, and thus aid them in accessing STEM spaces and securing jobs within those sectors.

LGBT Leaders' STEM has collaborated with Amazon as our sponsors, and we are proud to continue our partnership with them after they were the headline sponsors for the 2019 PinkNews Awards.

Aside from networking, panel discussions, and inspirational speakers, a highlight of the conference is that those looking for a variety of roles will have the chance to meet representatives from Amazon, the Financial Times, Accenture, and LinkedIn.

Additionally, people looking for specific roles within the pharmaceutical industry will have the chance to meet GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer, all of whom will host a session together as members of the Proud Science Alliance.

The event will also see sessions being held on a variety of other topics including international LGBT+ rights, bi visibility, and trans allyship.

The sessions will feature activists from the UK and abroad sharing their life experiences with those in attendance.

This conference is not only a chance to learn all about the world of STEM, but offers LGBT+ attendees the chance to meet like-minded people from all walks of life.

The jam-packed agenda for the event, which also includes a career fair and a look into diversity in tech, is now available online.

And students can sign up here via the simple registration form, so: what are you waiting for?

Apply now, and get STEM-ulated!

Written by Stephan Kyriacou, PinkNews.