It seems engineering is no longer confined to its old stereotypes.
What use to be a predominately male dominated job industry is now seeing an invasion of its industry from the female persuasion.
Women across the country are beginning to realize the benefits of becoming an engineer. More and more, the current job market is calling for students who can reach across the boundaries of their expertise.
Engineering can be utilized in positions such as manufacturing, design, theatre, music, etc. With its increasing demand in every field, the appeal could be enough to stir up the inhibitions women have felt against science for centuries.
According to the U. S. Department of Education, only 18 percent of the 78,200 engineering degrees were earned by women in 2003-04. Statistics also show the United States fails in comparison to countries such as China and India in producing engineers and scientists out of college each year. Researchers are convinced that women and minorities are the answer to improving its standing.
Founded in 1950, the non-profit educational and service organization, the Society of Women Engineers, or SWE, is the motivational force that establishes engineering as a desirable career aspiration for women.
SWE’s aim is to empower women to succeed and advance in those aspirations and be recognized for their life-changing contributions and achievements as engineers as well as leaders.
“I was inspired by two older male relatives who helped nurture my curiosity,” said senior electrical engineering student, Charena Robinson of Kenner. “Because I am an African-American female, I am already a double minority. Therefore I have to work harder to prove myself to a gender biased industry.”
In a 2003 study conducted by the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Michigan, it was discovered that females choose other careers because they do not see engineering as a way to help others. The study, conducted over 17 years ago, followed Michigan students from 6th grade through college and beyond.
The study also stated girls tend to do better than boys in math through sixth grade and have better problem solving abilities. However, once students are given the choice of higher math classes, boys choose the more advanced courses.
Heavy recruiting post-college for female students is a definite plus. Organizations like SWE are geared specifically to helping students network and find greater opportunities.
“We need to bring diversity to the engineering arena,” said Edgar Blevins, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Southern. “To be honest, when I recruited for the department, I found that of the top contenders in engineering the majority are females.
“We need more students like Lortheronie Gimblin, a 2006 engineering graduate,” he said.
Blevins said he finds the female students to have higher standardized test scores and they show more commitment to their studies.
According to the departmental mission statement, Southern University’s College of Engineering declares to provide its students with a high-quality education that will enable them to successfully compete within all dimensions while making significant contributions to society.
The department offers technological skills and opportunities that stimulate professional, educational and personal growth. The members of the college stands behind the affirmation it provides this growth through a diverse faculty and staff that is committed to teaching, research and service.
Christina Crump, an administrative assistant, has been an employee in the engineering department for almost thirty years.
“I think it is fantastic that more women are taking an interest in engineering. I can recall when there were no female engineering graduates,” she said. “Now we are turning out some of the most accomplished females in the field. Some of which have returned to become assets to the department.”
Robinson said he suggests to any females interested in becoming an engineer, “Do everything you can to be invaluable to the industry. It will take a lot of discipline, but if you are up for the challenge, it’s worth it.”