A Study of Gender Differences in Career Choice in STEM Disciplines: the Case of Chilean Students

Analysis of factors that influence the academic performance of first-year Chilean engineering students

“…It should be noted that, as reported in related literature, students sometimes drop out of university because of financial difficulties [12]. In the Chilean context, in which the present study was carried out, researchers found that the main factors that cause engineering students to drop out include a lack of self-confidence, excessive academic workload, and financial situation [13].…”

“…According to the literature review presented in the introduction, the importance of students' academic success has motivated several authors to analyze the elements that favor academic performance and, consequently, student retention. Sure of these elements include the use of open educational resources [16], block scheduling [17], interventions in first-year subjects [18], or the self-confidence of students and economic factors [13]. Therefore, the present study analyzed factors associated with characterizing first-year students that could influence academic performance and their retention at the university.…”

Engineering Pathways from High School to Workplace: A Review of the Literature

“…This was particularly true for women students [46], [59]. Conversely, economic need, discouragement, and pressure from parents to change career paths constitute contextual barriers [54], [59] [60]. Another contextual factor is work-life balance, which is equally important when considering different career paths [61]- [63].…”

“…Another contextual factor is work-life balance, which is equally important when considering different career paths [61]- [63]. An unreasonably heavy workload is a main reason for first-year students leaving engineering [60]. On the other hand, GPA and self-efficacy contribute to effective work-life balance, and students with such a balance exhibit stronger intentions to pursue engineering [62].…”

“…Students' person inputs and backgrounds contribute to their career pathways. White or female students tend to leave engineering earlier because they are more likely to have lower selfefficacy [6], [36], [60], [70]. Women are drawn more to certain disciplines such as industrial engineering due to their "warmth" and "more feminine" nature [71].…”