Navigating the Civil Engineering Field as a Woman: A Student's Perspective

As a final-year female civil engineering student, I can share my experience from the ground up. Despite societal pressures, I pursued civil engineering with persistence and determination, and my story aims to highlight some of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in this male-dominated field.

Challenges from Family and Society

My family considered pursuing a career in computer science or information technology more suitable for women. However, I found coding uninteresting and decided to follow my passion for civil engineering. Overcoming familial opposition required persuasion, highlighting the initial resistance even before starting the course. Despite progress, I still encounter derogatory comments from family friends and relatives, reflecting the ongoing societal biases against women in technical fields.

Classroom dynamics and Social Adjustments

In class, women often become minorities. I was fortunate to have nine female classmates in a group of approximately sixty to seventy males, but this isn’t always the case. With fewer women, it can be challenging to form study groups, make friends, and participate in class activities. Adapting to these conditions requires effort and resilience.

Teacher Perceptions and Biases

While not all teachers hold biases, some express doubts about the suitability of civil engineering for women. I’ve encountered comments like, 'It’s not for girls, you won’t be able to handle it,' or suggestions to pursue interior designing instead. Additionally, there’s a broader critique that the field doesn’t offer marketable skills, which can be disheartening to young female engineers.

Peer Judgments and Stereotypes

The worst criticism comes from peers. During experiments, male classmates have expressed that 'this is not for girls,' which is hurtful, disgusting, and disrespectful. In such instances, I generally respond assertively and continue my studies. It’s important to emphasize that not all people hold such negative mindsets, but unfortunately, a few still do. These negative stereotypes can be particularly damaging to a woman’s confidence and career aspirations.

Site Jobs and Laborer Myths Debunked

Another misconception is that women can’t handle site jobs or laborer duties. However, my internship under a lady civil engineer working in a site job with all male engineers and laborers demonstrated that women can perform with the same efficiency as men. This experience highlighted the importance of giving women in civil engineering a fair chance and discouraging stereotypes from creating undue judgments.

Diverse Career Opportunities in Civil Engineering

Civil engineering offers a myriad of career opportunities beyond traditional site work. Women interested in the field shouldn’t feel confined to site jobs. There are numerous other careers waiting to be explored, such as structural design, project management, regulatory compliance, and more. Pursuing a degree in civil engineering should be about your passion and interests, not societal limitations.

Conclusion

In summary, while navigating the civil engineering field as a woman can be challenging, it is also rewarding. It’s crucial to acknowledge and challenge the biases that permeate the industry. By supporting and encouraging women, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse civil engineering community that thrives on innovation and collaboration.