What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a future female engineer?

There is no question you will be judged by your gender, still even in this generation. Whether or not you realize/feel it, or (worse) are subjected to any consequences of biased judgement all depends on how carefully you go about ensuring you prepare yourself for whatever environment/company/site or position you are going to work in. My experiences differ drastically.

I see some excellent points being brought up, things I wish I had known. However, there will be no one to remind you of them.

Get some books on female engineering, female managers and females navigating/climbing the corporate ladder. - immediately. As long as you do not go into it ignorant you will be able to identify and solve any potential issues just fine !

Find another female engineer who can be your role model. There are also organizations like Women in Engineering, etc where you can connect with other women.

Elizabeth,

I my experience, I have only seen engineers judged by there capability, not by gender. If you are talented, there will be great opportunities for advancement. So my advice is for a your engineer, not specific to female engineers. Be willing to take on new challenges. Reach out to senior members of the team to get their advice. Working as an engineer is more than just technical, it is about working with others. Learn the political structure of the organization and get to know the decision makers. Get a mentor or mentors.

If you earn respect, you will get respect.

Be willing to adapt and take on new challenges. Understand that the gender gap will not lie in your favor for some time so a measure of perserverence is required. My advice to any aspiring engineer is to acquire as much experience in as many different fields/areas as possible before graduating. Even if you love your co-op or internship, branch out and diversify while you have the opportunity. Honestly, you'll be in school for quite some time, but if you're able to swing a co-op it allows you the chance to also double up and get internships over that summer as well which is nice.