Work

A Qualitative Inquiry Into Decisions to Leave Engineering Among Korean Women With Engineering Degrees

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The longstanding underrepresentation of women in engineering fields is a global issue. The present study explores the experiences of 15 Korean women who earned engineering degrees and then changed their careers to non-engineering fields. Participants completed semi-structured interviews, and qualitative data from these interviews were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods. Five domains emerged from the data: psychosocial struggles, anticipated difficulties in engineering, systemic gender marginalization, perceived lack of support, and deciding to leave. These findings reveal the underlying dynamics of environmental, socio-cognitive, and affective factors that not only influence non-persistence but also shape women’s experiences of leaving engineering and navigating alternative career paths. Participants’ decisions to leave were influenced by structural and cultural barriers, such as gender discrimination, anticipated challenges as women, and limited opportunities for advancement. The results highlight the need for gender-inclusive culture, supportive environments, and meaningful representation to improve retention and equity for women in engineering. This study offers important implications for practice and research in supporting women in engineering and advancing gender diversity within the field.

Source: Journal of Career Assessment

DOI: 10.1177/10690727251338253

Authors: Shin Young Yeom, Hang-Shim Lee, Lisa Y. Flores

Institutions: Konkuk University, University of Missouri

Language: English

Topic: Career Development and Diversity

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: Konkuk University