Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [Hardcover]

Karen Purcell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2012

Even though Karen Purcell excelled in math and science in high school, nobody ever talked to her about a career in the STEM fields. Finally, in her senior year, when she was frantically trying to decide on a college and course of study, her physics teacher commented that she should consider engineering. Lack of exposure was the first hurdle that Karen would face on her path to success as an engineer and entrepreneur, but it certainly wouldn t be the last.

Tackling an important social issue from a personal perspective, Karen describes the trajectory of her own career in engineering, including the struggles she endured. Through her story and stories from women in other fields, she explores the hurdles women in the male-dominated STEM world must overcome and offers pragmatic strategies for moving beyond them. From gaining exposure to occupations early in life to earning the respect of male colleagues to balancing a personal life with career pressures, Karen will empower you to realize your full talents.

Part inspiration, part strategic career advice, Unlocking Your Brilliance can help you pursue your passions and leverage your talents to create the professional and personal life you want.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Purcell, P.E., is a dynamic engineer, entrepreneur, and author focused on helping women create meaningful futures in the STEM fields. As the founder and president of PK Electrical, she draws on her experience to inspire young women to enter the STEM fields with confidence. Her nonprofit organization, STEMspire, was founded to support that mission. She is actively involved in the Reno Tahoe Entrepreneurs' Organization and has held numerous officer positions. She also won a 2012 Reno Gazette-Journal Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Karen is an avid marathon runner, Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteer with Big Brothers, Big Sisters. She lives in Reno, Nevada, with her husband and two daughters.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 170 pages
• Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press (August 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1608323765
• ISBN-13: 978-1608323760
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #584,456 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Karen Purcell, P.E., is a dynamic engineer, entrepreneur, author and speaker. Karen draws from her personal and professional experiences to help women confidently pursue their interests in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and build successful, fulfilling careers.

Born and raised in Harrisburg, PA, Karen's journey began when she was a high school student and one of her teachers recommended that she take advantage of her strong math and science skills by considering a career in engineering. What began as a suggestion became a life-long passion for Karen, who went on to receive her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Widener University in Pennsylvania.

In 1996 Karen founded her own electrical engineering company--PK Electrical, an award-winning engineering firm that specializes in providing innovative electrical lighting, power, and communication systems for public and private sector clients. Since its creation PK Electrical has provided quality design for more than 3000 projects in 11 states as well as Guam, and has been honored as a five-time finalist on the "Best Places to Work" lists.

During her journey from engineering student to business owner, Karen has become all too familiar with the disproportionate number of women in engineering and the complex factors that contribute to the gender imbalance. Her desire to support girls and women entering her field led her to pen the book Unlocking Your Brilliance: Smart Strategies for Women to Thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and to share her knowledge as a highly respected speaker on the topic of women in STEM.

Outside of her work in the business world, Karen is active in her community, where she serves as a Girl Scouts leader, a dedicated supporter of Big Brothers Big Sisters and a half marathoner who runs at least 40 miles per week. She currently resides in Reno, Nevada with her husband and two daughters.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational read - especially for this man. August 15, 2012

By thelightingguy

Format:Hardcover

This book educated me as to just how strong gender stereotypes can be in school and the workplace. The author has an interesting story on how she overcame non-supportive surroundings and dug deep inwardly to find her own brilliance. As a father of 3 girls, my hope is that they all find careers that they can be passionate at. I found this to be an inspiring book and I feel that after reading it, I'm now better equipped to be a supportive father, husband, and coworker to the many women in my life. I'm glad I bought the book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jobs September 24, 2012

By HannaMarie

Format:Hardcover

This book is a little bit of an autobiography, but also a "strategy" book for any woman wanting to not only survive, but thrive in science, technology, engineering, and math. Karen Purcell, does an amazing job of combining the two different writing styles to make not only an informative book, but one that is interesting to read as well.

If you are looking for a job in any science, technology, engineering or math related field, this book is a must read.

2.0 out of 5 stars Great woman, not so great book! February 17, 2013

By Elizabeth Wallner

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Thins is an Interesting book but the author sort of glosses over the hard parts. I wouldlike a bit mor eonthe stuggles she faced and how she overcame them.