| This research project assesses the influences of individual, cultural/societal, and corporate factors on the ability of women to be successful in engineering, with a focus on Aerospace. The slow progress for women in engineering has been attributed to many factors, such as early childhood socialization; lack of confidence in mathematical abilities; lack of encouragement from parents, teachers, and counselors; lack of female role models and mentors; and lack of knowledge about what engineers do. The retention and promotion rates for women in engineering have also been lower than those for men. The reasons for the lack of progress for women within engineering companies include lack of opportunity, discrimination, and choosing to leave the field for other careers or to raise children.;Eleven hypotheses were developed and tested through this research to discern which factors contribute to career success. A literature review, an initial survey of senior and high-potential women, and a broad survey of men and women working in engineering were used to develop and assess a model designed to characterize the factors that contribute to career success.;Men and women in Aerospace and other engineering fields were given a broad survey with questions about family background, educational background and work experiences. Survey responses for each of four groups (Aerospace men, Aerospace women, non-Aerospace men, and non-Aerospace women) were compared to determine whether different factors are important for career success. The results of the survey and analysis validated ten of eleven hypotheses. Family support, positive school experiences, high self-efficacy in math and a supportive work environment were shown to be important. Participation in extra-curricular activities during grade school was not demonstrated to be correlated with career success.;Suggestions for future research include strategies for engineering companies to team with schools to introduce engineering at elementary and middle school to make engineering more accessible, examination of company strategies for mentoring and providing development opportunities targeted at women and minorities, and the study of college engineering programs to understand the college environment most conducive to attracting and retaining women and minorities. |
