Leaving engineering: An examination of the reasons that influence black women to depart (work in progress)

Abstract

Black women continue to be underrepresented in engineering education programs and this disproportionate representation continues into the engineering workforce. Research indicates that once entering an engineering career, 25% of women leave the field within five years and experience discrimination not endured by White men. These studies, however, frequently lack detailed examination of Black women who are significantly underrepresented in engineering when compared to all women. In order to continue to diversify the engineering workforce and create work environments that are inclusive and that encourage the persistence of Black women, it is essential for the engineering education community to be knowledgeable of the experiences of this group in engineering. Using critical race theory and intersectionality frameworks, this study utilizes quantitative and qualitative data to examine the reasons that influenced Black women to leave their engineering positions. Engineering graduates of a large public Midwestern university were surveyed. Ten of the 3,807 graduates identified as a woman and Black or African American. Participants provided information on their career trajectories, including information on their position(s) held and the reasons that influenced them to leave. Reasons that influenced Black Women engineers to leave their engineering positions are presented. Preliminary analyses and findings will be used for further examination in a larger population. This study can begin to capture reasons that influence Black women to leave the engineering workforce. Results of this work can provide ideas to improve efforts to support Black women in the workforce.