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What are some things you wish you knew as a female entering a male dominant major such as engineering ?#Spring25
Im a female second semester senior committed to college next fall to study Mechanical Engineering. At the college I have committed to, about 10% of the students in my major are female. Im not necessarily worried about entering a male dominant field as I am very passionate and have confidence, but I am sure there are lots of tips and information that would be helpful in navigating school and career endeavors for greater success. I would be so grateful to hear personal anecdotes and experiences. #Spring25
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M.Angeles’s Answer
I think you should not be worried about the % of female vs male, the more relevant is to ensure you are doing what you like the most and having a diverse team is always a great asset.
I have been studying mechanical engineering and even if the % of females were very low, I never had the impression that this was an inconvenient.
I deal with very diverse people and this brings a lot of value in all discussions. It is true the relevance of bringing more female perspective in STEAM careers to ensure the diversity is a reality.
I have been studying mechanical engineering and even if the % of females were very low, I never had the impression that this was an inconvenient.
I deal with very diverse people and this brings a lot of value in all discussions. It is true the relevance of bringing more female perspective in STEAM careers to ensure the diversity is a reality.
Updated
Alejandra’s Answer
Congrats on choosing Mechanical Engineering — that’s a bold and exciting path, and it’s great that you’re entering it with confidence. From my own experience as a woman in a male-dominated field, one of the biggest lessons was learning to own my accomplishments and speak with clarity. Early on, I’d often downplay my ideas or apologize before asking questions, while others around me didn’t hesitate to assert themselves. I realized that confidence isn't just internal — it's also about how you communicate. Saying things like “I recommend this solution” instead of “Maybe we could try…” made a noticeable difference in how seriously I was taken in group projects and internships.
Another thing that helped me succeed was finding community and mentors. Joining clubs like SWE (Society of Women Engineers) gave me access to support, networking, and real-world advice from people who had been in my shoes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want — whether it’s feedback, leadership roles, or challenging projects. Passion and skill will take you far, but pairing them with strategic communication and strong relationships will multiply your impact. You're already on the right path — just keep being bold and intentional.
Another thing that helped me succeed was finding community and mentors. Joining clubs like SWE (Society of Women Engineers) gave me access to support, networking, and real-world advice from people who had been in my shoes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want — whether it’s feedback, leadership roles, or challenging projects. Passion and skill will take you far, but pairing them with strategic communication and strong relationships will multiply your impact. You're already on the right path — just keep being bold and intentional.
Updated
Lola’s Answer
I want to support M. Angeles's advice: don't worry too much about this issue. It might seem concerning, but from my experience in Computer Science, having mostly male classmates didn't stop me from learning. If you focus on enjoying your classes and learning well, the gender mix won't be a problem. Interestingly, some of my STEM classes had more women, so the subject doesn't always decide the gender balance. If anything ever affects your learning, don't hesitate to talk to a professor or someone in charge to fix it, no matter the reason.
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Kris’s Answer
In the United States, university life isn't too challenging. It can feel lonely being the only girl sometimes, especially in lab groups when you want to joke around. Besides some unwanted flirting from grad students, I never had issues with getting equal treatment or respect.
As a civil engineer who became a construction project manager, I faced some challenges in my career. You might meet men who don't want to work with or listen to women.
At first, as an intern or rookie, any disrespect might go unnoticed. But as you progress, you might face resistance. You need to be strong and well-prepared. I always reviewed the agenda and meeting materials in advance to ensure I was the most prepared person in the room. You'll need to work hard to get noticed and recognized. I spent 35 years in the field and don't regret it for a moment. I reached the top, had a great team, and I'm retiring with a sense of achievement.
I wish you the best.
As a civil engineer who became a construction project manager, I faced some challenges in my career. You might meet men who don't want to work with or listen to women.
At first, as an intern or rookie, any disrespect might go unnoticed. But as you progress, you might face resistance. You need to be strong and well-prepared. I always reviewed the agenda and meeting materials in advance to ensure I was the most prepared person in the room. You'll need to work hard to get noticed and recognized. I spent 35 years in the field and don't regret it for a moment. I reached the top, had a great team, and I'm retiring with a sense of achievement.
I wish you the best.