Women in Engineering

Abstract

Women comprise more than 20% of engineering school graduates, yet only 11% are practicing engineering, despite decades of academic, federal, and employer interventions to address this gender gap.

Women who are highly confident of their abilities to manage multiple life roles and navigate the political climate at work are most likely to want to stay with their career. Further, women who expect positive outcomes from their successful performance of engineering tasks are less likely to consider leaving the job, as it is a booster to them to pursue their career in the choice of their engineering fields. Also, they are considered by the organization vice versa, as they may not be the primary source of income to their respective families.

Women who have supportive co-workers are more successful compared to the ones who have no support including domestic support. Also, the companies who are requiring skilled professionals provide them with training and development opportunities. Such kind of women is less likely to leave engineering.

Women are more likely to be committed to the field of engineering if they receive opportunities for training and development, opportunities for advancement and believe that time demands are reasonable. Women are more likely to be committed to their engineering job when their companies value their contributions and having worked with supportive co-workers. Women must be encouraged to pursue their career and attain their goals in engineering. Also, as part of any organization, the contribution of any woman must also be encouraged. The paper discusses some suggestions or steps to be taken to encourage women to continue or start their careers in engineering as their choice.