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As a woman, why did you decide not to pursue engineering?

This question is for women who declared a field of engineering as their major and later switched to a non-engineering major. #college #engineering #women-in-stem #women

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Andrea’s Answer

I was an Honors Civil Engineering student first and completed what amounted to 3 years in that program (I entered college with 30 semester credit hours via AP testing). I was good at math and was an arts and crafts kind of girl. It made sense.


I honestly didn't find it to be a passionate career (for me...) and, somewhere in my college experience, realized that many students' pre-college schooling experience was not as diverse and enriching as the one I had. That seemed unfair to me. I switched over to Early Childhood Education, Bilingual. I've taught secondary mathematics and Middle Level "STEM" - or pre-engineering concepts designed to introduce students to problem-solving as well as some basic industry tools, like SolidWorks. I am now an administrator at a K-8 STEM Academy that serves a high-poverty community, rather than solely gifted students.


So, ultimately, even though I left the STEM field, I work to promote it and excite others about it in my everyday job. I love what I do and was able to find a way to sort-of do both.


STEM jobs are wonderful. They make good money and there is very clear job growth in those areas. We need women in those jobs as well; and we need to promote the idea that women can do these jobs - they are not just for boys and it isn't a boyish field or whatever nonsense. But, you need to do something that you are passionate about, something that excites you. It's about finding your own niche.

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Kathy’s Answer

I don't think my decision was based on gender, but rather based on skill and interest. When I began college, I was struck by the rigor of the program and minimal flexibility of courses you could choose. I was strong in math, but wanted to explore other fields. I ended up with a n accounting degree and have had great opportunities in business operations and internal audit.


Follow your passion - we work a long time and it's more fulfilling to choose something enjoyable rather than not. If you love engineering, go for it!
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Josh’s Answer

This is a great question - and I'm surprised there aren't more responses. As a male engineer, I haven't faced some of the challenges that women in my field have faced and your question suggests you are considering alternatives. I hope you stuck with it! As someone who values diversity of experience and thought and background - I hope you decided to pursue engineering. For other young women who read this question and have similar concerns - I hope you'll continue to pursue your dream of being an engineer. These fields continue to grow and need to hire the best possible talent, and if we are always limited to a small pool of female candidates then we are missing out on some great engineers. Pursue your engineering passion, get your degree, and find a company who truly supports an inclusive work force - we're counting on you!

Josh recommends the following next steps:

Meet with professional female engineers and learn about their experiences in the workforce
Research companies with strong ratings for inclusion and supporting female employees and engineers and consider if you could see yourself pursuing a similar professional career there
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