Pathways Women Take in Selecting a Major in Higher Education Construction Related Disciplines

Abstract

This paper will discuss pathways women have experienced in selecting a major in higher education Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related industries such as construction management. This study examines two current students and three alumni stories on the journey that led them to where they are today in their desired profession of construction management. Qualitative interview questions were asked of these women on how prior childhood and young adult experiences shaped their decisions and the obstacles they experienced in degree selection. The literature reviewed for this paper aimed to connect women seeking or currently participating in STEM careers to the experiences encountered by participants in this study. Three themes were built from the interviews: design-build, influences, belonging, and self-efficacy. It was found creativity in design and building interests as a child and as a young adult impacted degree selection. Influences from family, peers, teachers, counselors, and mentors were found to affect potential students' pathways. The study also found it essential that students need an authentic connection to belonging to the environment, and self-efficacy was needed.