We Are The 62%

If you've been browsing the internet reading about women in engineering recently, chances are you've seen one of the articles that talk about the NSF/ University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee study which found that only 62% of women with engineering degrees are working as engineers. The presentation is actually quite interesting, so you should give it a look. The study included female alumnae from the 30 universities with the most engineering graduates, and from the feedback snippets in the linked presentation- it seems like they got some pretty honest feedback.

But the research isn't done. The research description for the ongoing study says:

"We are surveying a national group of engineers who are currently working as engineers. This research will help us gain an understanding of the most important things that have led to engineers career choices. The results may help us make recommendations for improving the working environment for men and women in engineering careers."

So while I'm not affiliated with this study in any way, I'd encourage you to participate and send it to your friends (male and female) in engineering. As you already know, having a complete data set is important for ensuring accurate results, and studies like this have the potential to help our field evolve. I'm one of the 62% of women who are still engineers, and I for one would love to see an environment where people are happy enough to stay.

Love,

Vanessa

PS. What are your opinions on the first study? Do you identify with the results or disagree?