Why Aren’t There More Female Civil Engineering Consultants Around?
Here’s a fun fact about engineering: It remains one of the highest paying jobs that doesn’t require a graduate degree. It’s no wonder, then, that many young men and women choose this career path. However, a quick look at the industry reveals a surprisingly huge gap between the number of male and female engineers. It appears that entering the field is one thing, but staying in it is another matter entirely.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 13% of engineers in the country are women, though females account for 20% of all engineering degrees earned. Why aren’t there more female civil engineering consultants? The Harvard Business Review conducted a study identifying five reasons women bail out prematurely.
Prove It Again. Women are expected to perform at a higher level than male counterparts to prove that they “belong” in a company.
A Tricky Balance. Many women in the field find it hard to balance their femininity with the authority required to turn blueprints into reality. Too soft and you’re seen as incompetent; too hard and you’re too bossy.
Mommy Duties. Another tough choice that women have to make is choosing between pursuing their career or starting a family.
Infighting. With so few women in an engineering firm, females often find themselves competing with each other for a coveted position.
Isolation. There’s no denying the fact that women are a minority in the industry, and the isolation often drives many talented engineers away.
Keeping Women in the Game
Iam Tucker, who owns one of the rare civil engineering companies composed entirely of women, says there are ways for women to maintain a long and successful career in the industry.
To begin with, one must not stay quiet in the face of unequal treatment; if you feel you aren’t being treated equally, make your voice heard. If possible, try to find a mentor in your company, male or female, who can provide you with proper guidance and support to nurture your career. Lastly, consider joining organizations such as the IEEE Women in Engineering. Joining colleagues who experience the same joys and challenges mitigates the sense of struggle and isolation you may incur as the minority.
Look Up, Women!
While cultural attitudes towards women in engineering are hard to break, it isn’t impossible. Just remember that many women have succeeded in this industry despite their gender, and you can, too.
Sources:
40% of Women Engineering Students Earning Degrees Quit or Never Enter the Field, MIT Study Finds
goodcall.com
Harvard Study Shows 5 Factors Stopping Women From Entering and Staying in STEM
goodcall.com
Why Do So Many Women Who Study Engineering Leave the Field?
hbr.org
How to Survive in Engineering as a Woman
thindifference.com
