Women in Electrical Engineering: Opportunities and Resources for Pursuing an Engineering Career

February 16, 2021

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An electrical engineer works on a robotics project. Women in electrical engineering make important contributions with their work but continue to be underrepresented in the field.

According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, women account for over half of the college-educated workforce, but only 16% of engineers and 27% of computer and mathematical scientists. As the Society of Women Engineers reports, over 32% of women switch out of degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and female engineers earn 10% less than male engineers.

Many efforts are being made to combat these issues and increase gender diversity and representation in electrical engineering. Women interested in becoming engineers can pursue an advanced education, such as a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, to develop the knowledge and skills to overcome these hurdles and build rewarding careers in their field.

The Impact of Women in Electrical Engineering

Women have been impacting electrical engineering for over 100 years. Trailblazers in this field include the following:

Edith Clarke

Edith Clarke was the first female electrical engineer. Clarke began her career working for AT&T in 1912 and went on to work for General Electric for 45 years. She is best known for inventing the Clarke Calculator, a device that can solve graphical equations used to transmit electrical energy.

Hedy Lamarr

During World War II, actress Hedy Lamarr helped invent a radio frequency-hopping technology that could not be jammed or intercepted. Her technology has been used on U.S. Navy ships and incorporated into Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

Margaret Hamilton

Margaret Hamilton was instrumental in developing the onboard flight software for NASA’s Apollo program, which landed the first humans on the moon in 1969. Hamilton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her groundbreaking work.

These pioneers in electrical engineering can act as inspirations for a new generation of leaders in the field, proving that women can make great strides in STEM fields despite obstacles, which include gender discrimination and limited access to entry. Their legacies can motivate women to serve as mentors to others as they build interest and experience in engineering. According to the EngineeringUK report, “Gender Disparity in Engineering,” 46% of girls aged 11 to 14 would consider a career in engineering, but only 25% of girls aged 16 to 18 say the same. Meanwhile, girls outperform boys in almost all STEM fields of study, including engineering.

Opportunities for Women Engineers

Many companies and organizations are making concerted efforts to improve gender diversity and recruit more women, creating increased opportunities for women in engineering careers.

According to Woman Engineer magazine, the top five corporate employers of women engineers in 2020 are:

Google
Lockheed Martin
Microsoft
Raytheon Technologies
3M

Additionally, the top five government employers of women engineers in 2020 are:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Security Agency (NSA)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS)
Military Sealift Command (MSC)

A female electrical engineering project manager at Lockheed Martin Space, for example, leads a team of engineers that is designing electrical components for NASA spacecraft. Meanwhile, Google is a sponsor of TalentSprint’s Women Techmakers Engineering Fellows Program, which aims to provide low-income and underprivileged female students with career opportunities in engineering.

Each June, International Women in Engineering Day shines a spotlight on women’s accomplishments in the industry and inspires up-and-coming female engineers to join in. These proactive efforts are crucial in fixing the “leaky pipeline” of women prematurely leaving the engineering field due to unequal opportunities and representation.

Skills and Resources for Pursuing Electrical Engineering Positions

Women in electrical engineering can develop certain skills and competencies for success in their careers, including:

Math skills. Electrical engineers must have advanced knowledge of mathematical subjects such as calculus to execute their ideas and work with electrical equipment.
Communication skills. These professionals, especially those in leadership roles, must be able to explain and present their work through written reports, technical manuals, and oral presentations. The ability to break down complex concepts into easily understandable language is a crucial skill for success.
Engineers must have the motivation and perseverance to continue their studies through advanced degree programs and update their skills as new technologies and tools emerge to impact their careers.

Women in electrical engineering can use these resources to build their networks and discover opportunities to advance their careers:

Society of Women Engineers (SWE). As the world’s largest advocate for change for women in engineering and technology, SWE provides resources, events, leadership programs, and mentorship opportunities to help women engineers nurture their careers.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Women in Engineering (WIE). IEEE WIE’s global network of 20,000 members across more than 100 countries connects women at any stage of their education and career through international affinity groups, workshops, and conferences.
org. This site provides a list of scholarship opportunities for women of different backgrounds, locations, and needs with an interest in engineering.

Build Your Electrical Engineering Career with Confidence

For women pursuing careers in electrical engineering, an advanced degree can be invaluable. It can help them gain the in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience they need to start –– and grow –– their careers with confidence, despite the obstacles that might get in their way.

Ohio University’s online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering program is designed to help future engineering leaders build electrical systems and solve complex technical problems with real-world applications in their industry. Courses in the 100% online curriculum combine principles of advanced electrical engineering with training in responsible and sustainable design, so graduates can go on to create impactful and rewarding careers in a competitive and growing field.

Learn more about how Ohio University’s online Master of Science in Electrical Engineering can help you pursue your career goals.