Breaking the Stereotype — Getting Women Interested in Engineering

Despite recent inroads by women in the engineering field and other STEM disciplines, a notable gender imbalance still exists. One study estimates that only 11 percent of current engineers are female. Since the engineering and technology job markets continue to grow faster than other sectors, it is important to get women interested entering this lucrative and relevant field.

Keeping Young Girls Interested in Math is Key

Keeping girls enrolled in elementary school interested in math is key for their future prospects in the field of engineering. Debbie Sterling, CEO and Founder of GoldieBlox who make construction toys targeted at young females, commented on math education for girls aged 8-10 in a column for Forbes Magazine.

“As I looked into it further, I learned that girls start losing interest in math and science as young as age 8. Take a walk down the pink aisle at the toy store and you can begin to see why. Girls are inundated with princesses, pop stars and decorating kits. Meanwhile, boys are surrounded with math and science games, construction toys, puzzles and brainteasers. These toys develop spatial skills and get boys interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at an early age, “said Sterling.

GoldieBlox’s Success Gives Hope for the Future of Female Engineers

Sterling’s company has garnered much praise and some venture capital success, giving hope that the gender imbalance in engineering can be mitigated. GoldieBlox emphasizes storytelling with the product centered on a girl inventor, named Goldie, serving as a role model for fledgling female mechanical engineers. Getting girls wanting to play with Goldie instead of Barbie will hopefully play a large role in inspiring young girls to become women engineers in the future.

If you are interested in furthering your engineering career — no matter your gender — talk to the experienced staff at The Talley Group. As one of the top engineering staffing organizations in the Seattle area — and a female-owned company — they have the unique expertise to ensure your career gets to that next level. Schedule some time to talk with them today!