Nontraditional Career Resources

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

National organizations

U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau

This site exists "to improve the status of wage-earning women, improve 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

WOW is a national association that supports women working in nontraditional fields. It also includes a unit that focuses on self sufficiency for older working women.

Work4Women

A web site with tools and resources for women in nontraditional occupations. This site offers tips on how to get support, build networks, and prepare and train for a nontraditional career.

I Was Wondering

This animated site, sponsored by the National Academy of Sciences, 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)

CLUW's primary mission is to unify union women, identify their common problems, and find solutions to those problems.

9 to 5, National Association of Working Women

9 to 5 is a national organization that focuses on advancing and protecting women's rights at work. This site offers resources that can help women deal with sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, work-family balance, and more.

Men Teach

Men Teach is a web site with data and resources for men considering a career in teaching.

Association for Women in Science

AWIS is a professional organization that 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

NAWIC is a professional organization for women working in the construction trades.

IEEE – Women in Engineering

IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting women engineers and scientists. IEEE WIE's mission is to "inspire, engage, encourage, and empower IEEE women worldwide."

Association for Women in Mathematics

A clearinghouse of information for women in math-related fields, including scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

Engineer Girl

An interactive site for girls considering a career in engineering. Be sure to check out the "Ask an Engineer" feature.

Minnesota organizations

National Association of Women in Construction – Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter

This site provides information on the local chapter of NAWIC and includes a scholarship page.

Women Venture

WomenVenture is a local organization that provides tools and support to help women start a business, find a job, or develop a career path.

Women's Foundation of Minnesota

This is a grantmaking agency that focuses on economic justice, reproductive rights, safety and security, human rights and political representation for Minnesota women.