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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.
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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.
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