Understanding the Barriers to Recruiting Women in Engineering and Technology Programs

1 Mark Thom, Purdue University, Dept. of Aviation Technology, 1 Purdue Airport, West Lafayette, IN 47906 [email protected] 2 Melinda Pickering, Purdue University, [email protected] 3 Raymond E. Thompson, Purdue University, Dept. of Aviation Technology, 1 Purdue Airport, West Lafayette, IN 47906 [email protected] Abstract -The traditional model for interesting young women in technical careers involves alluding to the “adventure” or “uniqueness” of the career field and emphasizes hardware or products. This may actually be a de-motivator. The traditional recruiting model ignores the internal needs of young women who are conscious of selfimage and self worth. At a time when they are coming to grips with these factors, teenage women are bombarded with imagery of what is considered successful. This leads to perceptions that by entering technical career fields women are going to be perceived as less feminine. Additionally, interviews find young women still assume males have superior technical knowledge. Young women indicate a desire for a career where there is professionalism, camaraderie, support, and courtesy. Young women’s anxieties are normal, but they cause women to purposely not seek technical careers. This study examines perceptions young women have regarding what factors they perceive are non-supportive.