Pilot study: An exploration of the experiences that influence women's interest, pursuit, and continued involvement in STEM careers

While longitudinal studies that examine the effects of personal and environmental factors on women's career motivation have been reported in the literature [1] [2], none have provided depth or breadth of biographical interviewing over the time span of the last two decades. Many intersecting variables have been identified by empirical research to account for women's continued underrepresentation in STEM careers, yet persistence, especially in computer science and engineering, remains an issue. Recent studies [3] [4] cite several contributing factors to the underrepresentation of women in the field and give special attention to women in STEM academic positions, with less focus on women in STEM careers broadly. In this pilot study the experiences that encourage or discourage women's interest and persistence in STEM careers through a retrospective analysis of their K-16 and early career experiences are explored. The researchers use a grounded theory approach [5] [6] to interview women about their experiences and use these data to formulate theoretical propositions that extend or challenge what is presently known about factors influencing underrepresentation of women in STEM careers. The influences of family, culture, K-16 educational experiences, and transition to the workforce of women ages 25-45 who have graduated from college in a STEM major, with particular emphasis in studying the experiences of women in engineering and computer science, are examined.