Attracting more women to the tech sector : identifying the positive and negative factors that influence the career choices of female university students
Fullel, Sapana (2023)
Diplomityö
2023
School of Engineering Science, Tietotekniikka
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2023050440834
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2023050440834
Tiivistelmä
The underrepresentation of women in the software engineering field is an ongoing issue that has been discussed widely in both academic and professional areas for years. To address this issue and find a way to bring more women into tech education and the tech industry, this research aimed to explore the factors that influence the career choices and aspirations of women in technical fields. This research was conducted based on the “Women in Technology” (WITECH) research project.
This research was conducted using a qualitative research approach and three semi-structured interviews. The main interviews were with ten female students studying at LUT Engineering School. The focus of the study was to examine the factors that influence female students in studying engineering degrees and pursuing careers in the tech industry. Hence, several factors were identified, including their interest and passion for the field. The research also presents various barriers that prevent women from pursuing a career in tech fields, such as gender stereotypes, lack of female role models, negative perceptions, and other societal challenges. In addition, it provides several ways to promote the engineering field to underrepresented groups through design services or by providing extra MOOC courses. The findings highlight the importance of creating an environment that encourages diversity and gender equality in the software engineering industry and inclusion in the tech industry. Overall, the study suggests creating an innovative and collaborative environment for women working toward their success in the field and increasing female role models to attract and support the younger generation towards tech.
This research was conducted using a qualitative research approach and three semi-structured interviews. The main interviews were with ten female students studying at LUT Engineering School. The focus of the study was to examine the factors that influence female students in studying engineering degrees and pursuing careers in the tech industry. Hence, several factors were identified, including their interest and passion for the field. The research also presents various barriers that prevent women from pursuing a career in tech fields, such as gender stereotypes, lack of female role models, negative perceptions, and other societal challenges. In addition, it provides several ways to promote the engineering field to underrepresented groups through design services or by providing extra MOOC courses. The findings highlight the importance of creating an environment that encourages diversity and gender equality in the software engineering industry and inclusion in the tech industry. Overall, the study suggests creating an innovative and collaborative environment for women working toward their success in the field and increasing female role models to attract and support the younger generation towards tech.