Examining Critical Engineering Agency Beliefs in the Career Choices of Women Studying Engineering

• In Event: 21.062 - MTCC Roundtable Session Six
  In Roundtable Session: 21.062-7 - Seeking Equity in Male-Dominated Professions: Women Navigating an Unforgiving Terrain

Abstract

Using critical engineering agency (CEA) as theoretical framework, this qualitative case study examined the motivations of 26 women to pursue engineering degrees at an urban research university. While previous research has highlighted the factors that contribute to the career choices of women in engineering, few have explicitly focused on the role of CEA informing such choices. Findings revealed that participants’ aspirations to engage in meaningful change manifested in two ways: 1) an interest to have a global impact, and 2) increase representation of women in engineering. Our findings have implications for undergraduate women in engineering, faculty, and student affairs professionals geared toward developing policies and practices that may attract more women to engineering and support their persistence.

Authors

• Ebony Perez, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Tonisha B. Lane, University of South Florida

• Kali Morgan, Georgia Institute of Technology

• Amanda Torrellas, University of Central Florida