For all of you interns, fresh out of college and some not so fresh (like myself), lets talk about how you’re perceived in the workplace as a woman engineer. Does it affect you day to day or do you feel that its slowly becoming a non issue?

Even though I have more knowledge that many of the men that I work with - I am still perceived as inferior, and my decisions and actions are sometimes questioned and/or reviewed, when my male counterparts are not. It has been a struggle in a male dominated industry, however, I have created a name for myself and a reputation for having my act together and being one of the best in my field.

I, as many others, grew up a brainiac, wore thick glasses, didn’t have a date until senior prom, etc... However, as you grow into adulthood, you learn to fit into social situations and the butterfly comes out of the cocoon. You find the outward beauty to match the caliber of the brain-power. I often get questioned to this day… “who writes and produces your webcasts… how did you get your job… are your wearing any underwear… can I find out if that if your real haircolor...” and on and on. To answer these… “I write, produce and edit my own pieces, I have many years in the industry and the company sought me out, that is how I got my job, next… Yes, I am - but you’ll never see them… and… if my haircolor is equivalent to any PMS color - then it probably came from a bottle. LOL…

Shellie

I am not fresh out of college, but I teach college courses and I offer bits of advice to my women students.  It is simple things like if you want to be taken seriously by the guys make sure you present yourself as a professional and avoid instant messenger names that sound like porn star names.

This is a great forum, I am a Linguist/language engineer and it’s been pretty hard living down the stereotypes for linguists in today’s workplace.  If one showers everyday and has some good looks/style sensibilities, one is not seen as a “serious” linguist.  I had a meeting with a new client yesterday.  I was sitting outside the restaurant with my contact on the project and the new client walks up and thinks that I am just some hottie sitting with his partner.  He did not expect that I was the Consultant Linguist on his project at all.  But I got the contract anyway.  So, I don’t know if it’s easier yet regarding first impressions in the workplace, but I think that the industry and professional world is more willing to take us seriously after they find out we can do the tasks/ projects.  Why they don’t expect it in the first place is not my problem or responsibility, my responsibility is doing the work right.

I’m a grad student now, and I did 20 months of co-op during my undergrad in computer science.  I worked at two different companies, one much larger than the other.  In neither place did I feel that being one of the few (or sometimes only) female on the team made any difference.  Maybe it’s just because I never bothered to think about it, so if there was a difference, I didn’t notice.  Based on stories I’ve heard in various online communities, I’m lucky that I haven’t run into problems.

I have found the workplace to match old-world stereotypes almost to a tee in both of the companies I have worked for.  I am a turbine aero engineer and have worked for one of the top three aerospace engine manufacturers and one of the largest industrial gas turbine manufacturers in the world.  The vast majority of the women in the office held non-engineering positions such as administration and HR.  When clients come in the door, it is often assumed that I will be getting them their coffee instead of outlining design proposals.  Also, non-work related conversations are considered flirting regardless of the content or who initiated the conversation.  When men flirt with me at the office, it is my fault, as though I am asking for it by wearing cute shoes.  All of these challenges I expected before I entered the workforce, and I have learned to handle them.  I would like to warn other young engineers that this still very much exists, you will have to work harder than your male peers to be regarded at the same level, and you have to be extra conservative to preserve your reputation.  But don’t let any of these things stop you from pursueing engineering as a career, as long as you love it, that is.

I want to respond to aerogirl’s posting.  I have TOTALLY found that as well.  In school, I always had to work extra hard to be taken seriously and if I talked to any of the other boy linguists, it was never seen as just a debate or discussion (even though I inevitably ended up understanding more and having more curiosity because I was working my butt off), it inevitably was seen as flirting, even as a Consultant, I have seen this.  It drives me crazy, but I also have learned how to deal with it, and yes it is ALL about the reputation.  I have to be SO careful about what I say and how I say it for it not to be seen as manipulation or flirting, but it’s the professionalism that does it.  I think, also, maybe these challenges are good (in a way) because we really do have to work harder, I think, so it makes us better in our chosen fields.  And if we like them, the more we learn and know, the more we progress professionally.  I have definitely had to be really tenacious in my career goals because the workplace inuendos get tough to handle, but I love the science side of life too much to give in!!!  Thanks for your posting.

I agree with the statements above. I am not an engineer, but I have worked in the automotive industry in some capacity for over 10 years. The mechanics that I worked with initially told me not to get comfortable because I wouldn’t be there long. It took several years for most of them to learn that I was more dependable than my male coworkers.

I found that dressing nice (skirts and heels) either made people talk down to me or made them very, very nice. One thing worth noting, however, was that women were often more rude and condescending than men. We should work to help build up women in these challenging and male-dominated industries…

You are so right Miss A! We need to help each other out!

Greetings all those nerd and geek ladies out there! I have been a nerd all my life, yet one who loved painting my nails, wearing skirts, and hanging out with the boys by the lake. I joined the workforce in 2001 as a technical writer and trainer at a software company. I was the youngest and unmarried female in the office.

Once, when I complained about the inappropriate comments directed at me at the office, I was told by the HR Manager (a female!) that I should be very careful what I wore. I essentially was directed to wear shirts that were untucked and almost down to mid-thigh, collars up to the base of my neck, and pants. In other words, it was my fault that guys made comments about me. I retorted that the guys at the office, typically the account representatives (software and hardware support) were generally negative and perverted in their comments. I had even heard them comment things when getting off the phone with customers along the lines of, “That lady sounded hot. I would so do her.”

Eventually my complaint lead to some stricter behavior codes and videos regarding harassment of any kind, whether intentional or not. However, I definitely had two uncomfortable years (before and after).

I also noted that the woman at the company were expected to work longer, harder, but for less reward. Salaries were lower for woman, upperward mobility was near impossible, and typically the guys took the credit on projects that were group. If I was complimented by a customer for my training and writing, the executive staff would tell me I need to not set expectations so high with customers because the other project managers couldn’t keep up.

Happily - I exited that company and got a job at another company where I can honestly say I was just a number. There were multiple females in technical positions, however, most managers were male.

Six months later I joined a consulting company which I had worked/trained with when I was with the original company. Although small, this company is one of the rare cases where woman are treated as complete equals. In the last year and a half I have had an excellent experience - able to build my skill set, expand my knowledge, and completely geek out. On the other hand, I work from home - so I don’t have to worry about “office life” at all!

So for all of you about to go into the work force - it doesn’t get easier! But it is worth it because being a nerd, you are smart enough to know that it is not you - it’s them! Stand up, be proud of your intelligence, and work hard!

Hey Pixelgeek!  That’s what I did too, I’m a consultant and work from home.  I can “geek out” and I love it, and I don’t have to deal with the work place stuff, and for most of the companies I consult for, I can just do the work, not worry about how I don’t “look the part”.

What a fun site! After many years in education, I recently returned to the workforce as a Computer Technician in a community college setting. My department has offices in two areas. The senior systems administrator is a woman, and myself. I find many of the comments already posted here to be right on the money. Still, I consider myself fortunate to be in an academic institution. My fellow “geeks” are easy to get along with, and there is a strong team spirit.

From the first day I began working, no one thought I might be less knowledgable just because I am female. Sure, there are the occasional “wandering eyes” moments during a conversation. But, these are few and far between. My male counterparts try to avoid potential uncomfortable moments. I suppose it helps that I have a Masters degree in mathematics as well as computer expertise. My own experience from college in the late 80s until now is encouraging. Oddly enough, the most negative prejudice I encountered was among male faculty in the applied sciences (such as computer science and engineering departments).

To be honest, there are moments when it feels good to be attractive and brainy. Just keep things professional, and understand that every work place has varying degrees of tolerance when it comes to friendly flirting. I also try to be sensitive to a healthy work environment by dressing attractively but not advertising.

I work for a computer company. I have a BS in Computer Science with a double in English. This is the second place i’ve worked since college - my first job was at the Pentagon and now i’m in a small office of a big computer company. I experienced more negative reactions at the Pentagon, mainly from senior personnel who assumed i was “just a girl” and therefore incompetent/unprofessional. I also received my share of proposals. However, there were times when being the “girl” in the office was fun, and i had several other strong (although older) women on whom to depend.

Now i work in an office as one of 3 women programmers. One is in a supervisory position and the other does more paperwork than programming. Professionally, my management has found my strengths and uses me for them. Personally, i am tirelessly teased as the only girl with a sense of humor. There are constant rumors about which one of my coworkers i’m “doing,” although not to my face. To hear them talk, i’ve been around the office and back!

I don’t mind most of that - i can be crude and teasing when i want to be as well. However, it’s left me no room for advancement in this job. Unfortunately, if i want to get anywhere, i have to avoid my coworkers; but if i want to enjoy my job, i don’t feel that’s achievable. I’d love to find a good balance, or a place where that balance isn’t quite as hard to find.

I work for a Web Design company, as a JR web/flash developer, and also attend college for Web design and development.
I am the only girl in my department, but all th guys treat me great, and they are always very impressed with my work.
makes me feel appreciated.
I love it !:)

Carrie - 18 July 2008 03:55 PM

- i can be crude and teasing when i want to be as well. However, it’s left me no room for advancement in this job. Unfortunately, if i want to get anywhere, i have to avoid my coworkers; but if i want to enjoy my job, i don’t feel that’s achievable. I’d love to find a good balance, or a place where that balance isn’t quite as hard to find.

You bring up an important point. In today’s working environment, there can be jealousy in an office with multiple women and one is more attractive than the others. Especially if the attractive one has a friendly, approachable personality. I have known many women in corporate America… and sadly, I still hear similar stories of having to show cleavage and/or leg to advance in one’s career. Don’t get me wrong, I think tolerance includes the freedom to be feminine. But too much familiarity in one’s professional life can be a death knell for any opportunities for advancement. Where to find a balance? To some extent, you can’t stop rumors from circulating. But you can carry yourself in a way that seeks to dispel the truth of those rumors. Hold your head high and make certain not to give fuel to the fire.

Comaraderie is one thing. But teasing and overt inuendo are not tolerated in the workplace. We can’t have it both ways. If it’s frowned upon for one gender, it should be equally disturbing for the other. People enjoy having others around who are good-natured and have a healthy sense of humor. Just remember not everyone appreciates the same jokes.

I have been a systems administrator with a large software company in the Northwest for almost 10 years now.  Due to the years I have spent here in many groups I have gained respect.  I dress like one of the guys, not because I have to, but I work in cold labs, with air blowing through the floors and a skirt just wouldn’t cut it.  I have found that I do get talked down to in the beginning of some of my positions, but have gained respect quickly due to my experience and expertise in my profession. I have yet to work in an IT group that has any technical females as part of the group, other than myself.  I am proud of what I have accomplished in my career and even more so because I was able to break into a still male dominated profession and excel with the best of them.