What Changes in Employment Trends Bode for Female Civil Engineering Consultants and the Like

1. March 15, 2017 What Changes in Employment Trends Bode for Female Civil Engineering Consultants and the Like Image 1: The Nation Needs More Women Working as Civil Engineering Consultants It can be difficult to imagine an urban landscape without structural engineers, civil engineering consultants and similar professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 281,000 civil engineers in the U.S. as of 2014, and the employment rate in this industry is expected to grow by as much as 8% each year. This field is certainly in demand, and these figures are likely to grow in the coming years, especially if more women choose to become engineers. 1

2. As early as high school, the youth are now being geared to follow career paths based on their aptitudes and desires. Many are encouraged to seek degrees in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In general, educational authorities say that both young men and women possess equal abilities when it comes to standardized tests in math and science, indicating that both genders have the potential to excel as civil engineers or similar careers. Female Participation in the STEM Workforce While there are numerous notable women in civil engineering, there still remains a shortage of them in the modern-day workforce. The National Science Foundation states that, though half of the college-educated workforce in the nation consists of women, less than a third of them work in the science and engineering fields. Only about 17.5% of all civil, sanitary and architectural engineers are female. Why There Used to Be Few Women Engineers In the 1980’s, less than 6% of the engineers in the nation were women. At present, this figure has nearly doubled to 14%. Interestingly enough, more young women have chosen to take engineering degrees in college. Figures estimate that about 20% of all college students gravitate to engineering. According to data, the figures remain low because some young women initially choose to enroll for a degree in the STEM field, but upon graduating, decide to pursue a different career path. In some cases, women leave the engineering profession because their workplaces proved non- conducive for them. Stepping up to the Plate In other countries like the UK and Australia, notable rises in the number of women becoming civil engineers have been noticed among all the engineering disciplines. Experts believe that this is not only because civil engineers can earn more, but that women are realizing how this branch can actually help people and change their lives. Furthermore, millennials are now more amenable to changing career plans. This also means more females are breaking the mold and redefining engineering from what used to be a male-centered industry, to one that welcomes diverse thinking. Truly, women in civil engineering do more than just plan and design how homes and buildings should be built, but they are also influencers of change in society. One can only hope that this field continues to pick up the pace by inviting more women to share in its potential for success. 2

3. About ILSI Engineering: For years, ILSI Engineering has worked with top engineering groups in the nation on major projects at all government levels. Proud to be 100% female and minority owned, our firm is committed to serving its hometown of New Orleans and nearby cities. We constantly strive to improve the quality of life for all. Sources: Civil Engineer – US News Best Jobs, Money.USNews.com Civil Engineers: Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS.gov Civil, Structural Engineers Join Social Media Campaign, ASCE.org 3