EngineerHer

Introduction

Engineering is still very male dominated, and sometimes in writing this blog I have a tendency to highlight how to deal with the issues experienced. So why would a woman want to be an engineer? well, there are myriad opportunities and advantages that come with pursuing a career in engineering. Not just comfy shoes… Today, I’m going to explore the reasons why women should seriously consider engineering as a career choice, delving into the benefits, challenges, and the broader impact of female representation in this field.

1. Diverse Perspectives and Innovation

Honestly? We need more diverse perspectives and innovation in engineering. When the majority of our equipment, technology and appliances are designed by men, they will be focused on the issues that men face. Not to mention sized for men, ergonomically arranged for men… essentially, it’s hard to be diverse in your perspective if there’s a distinct lack of diversity around the table during the discussion. Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving, and having a diverse workforce contributes to a richer pool of ideas and innovative solutions. Women, with their unique experiences and viewpoints, can introduce fresh insights that can lead to more comprehensive and effective problem-solving in various engineering disciplines.

2. Closing the Gender Gap in STEM

While significant progress has been made in recent years, a gender gap persists in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By choosing engineering as a career, women can actively participate in narrowing this gap. Increasing female representation in STEM fields not only promotes gender equality but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of girls, encouraging them to pursue their interests in these disciplines. Yeah, I know, the gender gap doesn’t bother most of us from day to day, but really, I’d love to be able to say “I’m an engineer” and not get the “wow, that’s amazing” response. Future generations should be able to just be an engineer. Without the added being a female engineer label.

3. Career Opportunities and Financial Stability

Engineering offers a plethora of career opportunities across diverse sectors such as aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering, among others. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in these fields, women entering engineering can enjoy a wide array of choices for specialization and career paths. Additionally, engineering careers often provide financial stability and competitive salaries, enabling women to achieve economic independence and contribute significantly to their households and communities. Engineering is just growing and growing in both the breadth and depth of careers available. Do you love Excel spreadsheets? Be an engineer. Do you love working with your hands? Be an engineer. Do you love taking problems, breaking them down and fixing them? Be an engineer. Do you love getting a diverse group of people and getting them focused in the same direction (otherwise known as “herding cats”)? Be an engineer.

4. Global Impact and Social Responsibility

Engineers play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges, from sustainable energy solutions to clean water access and healthcare advancements. Women in engineering can make substantial contributions to these critical areas, aligning their careers with a sense of social responsibility. By participating in projects that have a positive impact on society, women engineers can find fulfillment in knowing that their work contributes to the betterment of communities and the world at large. And they look at things like childcare, society as a whole, community in ways that men don’t. So it’s well worth getting involved in these solutions.

5. Networking and Mentorship Opportunities

As women continue to make strides in engineering, the industry is becoming more inclusive. This inclusivity fosters networking and mentorship opportunities, allowing aspiring female engineers to connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights. Building a strong network in the engineering community can enhance career prospects, open doors to collaborations, and create a supportive environment for professional growth. Essentially, the more women we have as engineers, the more women we will have as engineers. Mentoring offers so many rewards to the mentor, it’s highly underutilised as a way to help yourself feel good. Face it – as women in engineering, for a few years yet anyway, we have unique experiences that we can use to better those coming after us. And by making ourselves available for these supports, it makes people aware that we’re not just focused on ourselves. It ties back into that holistic, societal view, rather than an individualistic view.

6. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

Engineering careers often provide flexibility in terms of work arrangements, allowing individuals to strike a balance between their professional and personal lives. With advancements in technology, remote work options, and flexible schedules, women in engineering can design their career paths to accommodate family responsibilities and personal pursuits. This flexibility contributes to a healthier work-life balance, a crucial factor for career longevity and satisfaction. Now, a lot of the time, it can feel like the flexibility is all in one direction. But with the breadth of engineering positions growing all the time, it’s nearly always possible to create a role to suit your life needs…

Conclusion

Engineering offers many exciting opportunities and well paying jobs. As the world becomes more automated, the need for engineers will grow and grow. There are careers available now that we never heard of 20yrs ago and engineering is no different. Form serving society in global initiatives, to fixing modern phones so they can fit comfortably and securely in a smaller hand, women can offer so much in this profession. Every new woman that joins the profession brings us that bit closer to the day when being a woman engineer is no longer a surprise to anyone. As women continue to break barriers and shatter stereotypes in this field, the engineering landscape will become more inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the dynamic talents that both men and women bring to the table. Encouraging more women to pursue engineering is not just about creating equal opportunities; it is about harnessing the collective potential of diverse minds to shape a future that addresses complex challenges and advances society as a whole.