Female mechanical engineering students' career decisions and development: A case study of university undergraduate students

Abstract

Mechanical engineering is one of the popular university majors for engineering students, particularly female students. However, due to the social stereotypes and social stigma, female mechanical engineering students and professionals may face difficulties and discriminations due to their gender. Although women are always encouraged to apply for mechanical engineering programmes, only approximately 20% of the mechanical engineering student populations are women. There is a need to increase the student population, particularly for women students. Based on the Social Cognitive Career Theory, this study sought to understand why women would decide to join the mechanical engineering study and join the field for long-term development. The results indicated that the personal, academic, and career interests in engineering and science always drive their decision-making process. This study's results enable engineering school leaders and department heads to reform their curricula and instructions for female students and their internship directions for students, from multiple perspectives.