Developing mentoring relationships to support the careers of women in electrical engineering and computer technologies. An analysis on mentors’ competencies

Abstract

Only a low percent of women follow studies and develop careers in the field of engineering and computer technologies (E/CT). An initiative for motivating and supporting young women towards future educational paths and careers in this field was undertaken in the framework of a European thematic network with the involvement of universities from almost all European countries. Mentoring was one of the most significant considerations during the first stage of the project. Twenty-six partners contributed with their views, suggestions and answers to a specific questionnaire on identifying the various qualifications building the profile of a prospective mentor. The paper discusses the important elements of mentoring schemes addressed to women deciding engineering education and career and analyses the proper mentor's competencies. The study reveals that mentors should have a wide range of qualifications apart from their technical background, such as good professional level and training experience, as well as willingness, communication skills and other individual characteristics related to their personality.

Does Mentoring Make a Difference for Women Academics? Evidence From the Literature and a Guide for Future Research

“…It is worth noting that both Pisimisi and Ioannides (2005) and Childress Townsend (2002) are focused on specific disciplines but do not further investigate how disciplinary cultures impact on mentoring. Moreover, even if the role of the mentor is centre stage, such a role is investigated always referring to the mentee's needs and how to better satisfy mentees, while the authors could, for example, further investigate the challenges and outcomes of being a mentor.…”

“…Füger and Höppel (2011) who rely on their experiences in designing and coordinating mentoring programs, argue that this topic has emerged recently, but is still relatively overlooked. Pisimisi and Ioannides (2005), who focus on women in engineering, present a study, conducted at the European level, on the ideal characteristics of the mentor. From this survey it emerges that most of the respondents, even if they think that the disciplinary background is relevant (it can facilitate communication between mentor and mentee), this is not enough.…”

Gender and the pipeline metaphor in computing

“…First, ideologically better representation of women in computing field is an issue of gender equity and fairness. As Western countries have entered the information era, more women than men have become under-represented in computing education and occupations (Pisimisi and Ioannides 2005). For instance, only one-sixth of information and communication technologies (ICTs) employees were women in EU in 2004.…”

Board 48: Analysis of a Trial of Mentoring between Civil Engineering Students and Practicing Engineers

“…A wide variety of mentoring topics have been analyzed in previous studies more specific to engineering and STEM subjects, and consideration of earlier literature reinforced the potential of our trial to contribute to the experiences of undergraduate students. Research has explored the benefits for young women of mentoring them into STEM subjects [9], the role of mentors in raising young women's persistence [10] and their retention in engineering disciplines at a higher level [11]. A positive impact on career planning in STEM disciplines has also been found for students with disabilities [12].…”