Women in Civil Engineering—Graduate's Perspective

Abstract

Forty female graduates from the civil engineering department at Youngstown State University were sent surveys requesting them to relate their experiences as engineering students and as engineers in the workplace. The intent of the survey was to secure data to assist in recruiting female students for a career in civil engineering and to assist the department in retaining these students once they entered the program. Data from this survey provided a better understanding of the successes and problems experienced by these women throughout their academic careers as well as in the workplace. This paper summarized their responses and experiences and identified problem areas. Recommendations for counteracting these problem areas were presented. Areas of success were highlighted and suggestions were made as to how these could be utilized into effective recruiting and retention tools.