Many strides have been made over the last few decades to increase the number of women in engineering.
Back in the 1970’s women accounted for only 3% of engineers.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, that number has increased by 10%.
But the question remains, why don’t more women enter the field of engineering?
“Right now, women make up only about 13% of the engineering workforce, they earn about 22% of the bachelor’s degrees in engineering,” Society of Women Engineers executive director and CEO Karen Horting said. “But we’ve done a lot of research on women engineers regarding why the numbers are still low, and a lot of it has to do with workplace climate and culture.”
Angelica Scott has been working as an engineer at Grand Traverse County Road Commission for nearly two years. She’s the only female engineer at her job. She said while she attended college for engineering studies, one thing stuck out.
“In my classes, I was sometimes the only girl there, sometimes there were only five of us. There really aren’t many women in the classes that I’ve been to. So, I guess since college I’ve already programmed myself to get used to it, knowing there’s not going to be a lot of women, especially in the workforce.”
But why is this the case?
“Unconscious biases, things like prove it again, where you’re constantly having to prove that you deserve to be there, that you have the credentials. Also, the maternal wall, all of a sudden you have a family, and now you are seen as less competent,” Horting said.
But the roadblocks for women don’t end there.
“The tightrope, so that narrow band of what’s considered acceptable behavior for a woman, but what’s seen as the leadership skill. The minute you start to exhibit what’s considered traditional leadership skills, then all of a sudden people say she’s acting like a man.”
While Scott said she hasn’t experienced all of the barriers described above, she’s fully aware that when it comes to working in engineering, she has to do more.
“Because we’re the minority in this male-dominated field, we do have to try twice as hard and we have to prove ourselves,” said Scott. “But that’s the reason why I chose this field because I like challenges.”
According to Boston Consulting Group, one in three engineering jobs is likely to go unfilled until the year 2030. With so many jobs available, how can we get more women into the field of engineering? The answer may include marketing engineering careers to younger students.
“Role models are so important, and that’s really what we try to do here at the Society of Women Engineers. We showcase all the opportunities that are out there and connect girls with women who are working in engineering,” said Horting. “They can start to see themselves in those roles and develop the confidence.”
Scott has one final message for girls who are interested in engineering but may be hesitant because it’s a male-dominated field.
“It’s a great major, it’s very rewarding. You feel really good in the end when you can see your work come to fruition. If it’s something you enjoy. I would say go for it, and if I was able to do it, I think anyone can,” said Scott.
If you are a girl or woman seeking engineering mentors, scholarship opportunities or information on women in the field, click here.
