Friends and family often ask me what it’s like to be a woman in engineering. This question always makes me smile because, in class, I don’t often think about my gender. I’m just an engineering student. In a way, USC has provided me with a bubble of privilege where my gender doesn’t play a significant role in my major. As a civil engineering student, my classes have felt balanced in terms of gender representation, and I’ve never experienced discomfort or felt like the only woman in the room. I realize this isn’t the case for everyone in engineering, but it has been my experience at USC.
It wasn’t until I attended engineering-related events and had experiences outside of USC that I fully recognized the gender disparity in the field. It wasn’t a surprise for me, since I know that engineering is still a predominantly male field, but it was really eye-opening seeing it and experiencing it physically versus always just knowing and hearing about it. It puts things into perspective. At national conventions, career fairs, or networking events, I would often find myself as the only woman in line or notice a distinct lack of female representation, both among attendees and recruiters. These moments juxtaposed the inclusive environment I was used to at USC and the reality of the broader engineering industry.
During my structural engineering internship this past summer, I noticed that most people on my office floor were men. As an intern, I was one of the few women in the entire department. This surprised me, though it probably shouldn’t have, given what I’d seen outside of USC. I have to admit it was honestly a bit of a challenge at first because I didn’t feel as comfortable navigating these spaces and it made me feel as though this was unusual even though it wasn’t. I had to learn to adapt and internalize the idea that I deserve to take up space as well and that just because I am the minority in the room doesn’t mean that I am less than.
Reflecting on these experiences has made me appreciate the gender balance at USC even more. I know that, once I graduate, I won’t always work in such an environment, though I also recognize that many firms today are prioritizing diversity in the workplace. Still, USC has spoiled me in this sense, and I’m grateful for it.
For any woman considering engineering at USC, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pursue it. The balanced environment, at least from my perspective as a civil engineering student, helps foster confidence, encourages you to ask questions, and allows you to grow and become the best version of yourself. It creates an ideal space to focus on your education and push your boundaries.
However, I also believe it’s vital to experience the engineering world outside of USC. The confidence and comfort you build here will be invaluable when you enter a professional environment that may not be as balanced. If you’re used to being confident in speaking up and contributing in engineering spaces, you’ll carry that self-assurance into your career, even if the gender disparity is more apparent in the professional world.
