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Due to the under-representation of women in engineering fields (and STEM fields in general), are there any double standards or certain "standards" that are expected and directed towards women?

Despite many women being encouraged to go into STEM fields, it is still a heavily male-dominated field which is a little intimidating. Since there isn't complete equal pay between the genders as well as double standards for both, I'm a little worried that my work as an engineer will be judged more or less harshly because I'm a female. I want to be prepared to face all of the expectations that are placed because of the gender gap. #engineering #women-in-stem #women-in-tech #women-in-engineering

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Thank you comment icon This is my 4th year in a engineering center at a school that I am not zoned for, I am 1 out of 4 females in my class of 30. The one thing that I have noticed over the years of being pushed into engineering is that the females will always be expected to do the writing part of any and all projects. When you start working with a group of engineers or engineering students you need to show them that you are capable and skilled at the math and hands on aspects of engineering. Elisabeth
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Neha’s Answer

Hi Anna,


Ken is right! professionals are evaluated based on their performance and contributions irrespective of their genders. Salaries are also based on individual experience and performance. One's growth in career depends on that individuals performance. I am a female and I haven't been in/seen any such situations so far.


All The Best !
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Anna
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Denise’s Answer

Hi Anna,


Great question. As Pete mentioned, there have been incredible strides in the number of women engineers as well as other STEM majors. Is there complete parity, I think the data shows not yet. Is the workplace unfair, I think you will find at times, many people feel the way they are treated isn't "fair" regardless of gender.


While the data suggests that we, as women in technology, have a long way to go, I often remind the younger generation of women that there are tremendous opportunities and in order to see the change, you need to be part of the change. Take advantage of the focus on getting more women into the STEM field IF you like this type of challenge. STEM isn't for everyone. Yet, if you are interested and good at science and math, we need a lot more women to help us drive the change.


While we are caught up in MeToo, I would rather we focus on ItsOurTime It has never been a better time than now to be female and interested or studying in the STEM field.


Good luck and keep us posted.
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Peter’s Answer

Anna:


I can only answer your question from my male point of view. During my 40-year career at engineering consulting firms, I witnessed a great increase in women engineers the last 15-20 years. Women engineers are now fairly common and doing pretty well, at least at the larger, national engineering firms with which I am familiar. I detected no double standard toward women engineers. There were the occasional disparaging remarks from some male engineers early in my career, but this has largely disappeared. I think you'll find that your are generally treated fairly and professionally in the Field these days.


Pete Sturtevant, PE
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