Commitment to Graduate Studies and Careers in Science and Engineering: Examining Women's and Men's Experiences

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Commitment_to_Graduate_Studies_final.pdf (247.16 KB)

Date

2010

Authors

Darisi, Tanya
Davidson, Valerie J.
Korabik, Karen
Desmarais, Serge

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Journal of Gender, Science and Technology

Abstract

A comprehensive survey was conducted to assess departmental, interpersonal and attitudinal variables related to Canadian student experiences in science and engineering graduate programs. The present study uses a subset of the survey variables to examine the experiences of women and men graduate students and to identify relationships between contextual factors and four specific outcomes: intention to leave current program, intention to pursue a career in field of study, science/engineering self-efficacy and confidence in establishing a career in one’s field. Quantitative and qualitative results show that departmental climate and advisor support predicted student intentions, confidence and self-efficacy. Gender differences in self-efficacy and confidence were also found.

Description

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) created a program of five regional Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering (CWSE) in 1996.The mandate of this program is broad, with objectives to address both the need to encourage girls and women into science and engineering careers, and the retention of women as valuable contributors to science and engineering. Valerie Davidson, Professor in the School of Engineering, University of Guelph held the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering for Ontario from 2003 to 2011. She and her team developed the CWSE-ON program which focused on three different audiences: Early Enthusiasts - students in elementary and high school; Interested Intellectuals - women in undergraduate and graduate studies who are preparing for further education or careers in science and technology; and Productive Professionals - women in science and technology professions with a particular focus on women in the academy. Since Valerie has completed her term as Ontario Chair for Women in Science and Engineering, CWSE-ON resources have been placed in the Atrium for the others to use. The materials are organized by audience as well as general themes. The CWSE-ON program was supported by NSERC, Hewlett-Packard Canada (2003-2008) and Research in Motion (2008-2011).

Keywords

gender, engineering, science, graduate studies, department climate, self-efficacy

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10214/3532

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