For most of time we spend at college, we’re trying to figure out what exactly it is we want to do with the rest of our lives. And yes—the task is exactly as daunting as it sounds. With the support of our friends, professors and the people around us, though, getting through those four years and into that scary place we call the real world is a little less terror-inducing.
But what if your peers look down on your, or your professor doesn’t treat you fairly, or you’re even disrespected for being one of the only—or, the only—woman in your class? We checked in with college women pursuing everything from engineering to computer science, and here’s what they had to say about being the minority in a male-dominated major.
“I spent my freshman year as a mechanical engineering major and now study English. The difference between how I was treated in a male-dominated major and how I am treated now is stark. Last year, professors would not almost never call on me even though I had a strong grasp of the material. I was seen as dumb rather than curious when I asked questions in class. Classmates were reluctant to work with girls in my engineering intro class, so we formed an all-girl group and received the highest grade on our final project. As an English major, my contributions in clas are respected and my knowledge isn’t discounted. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from choosing a male-dominated major—my decision to switch was unrelated to those hardships I faced—but one should be prepared to fight for respect in the classroom.”
-Kristen, The University of Alabama Class of 2018
“Yes my major is male dominated. I am a Sport Management major and it’s not always easy being the minority as a female. Professional sports are dominated by males as it is, so working in sports is the same way. I feel that sometimes we get looked at differently for being female. I do see the field changing and feel that I am treated fairly in all aspects. It’s not easy but it’s truly rewarding to be a part of something I love so much.”
-Haylee, Minnesota State University, Mankato Class of 2017
“I’m a statistics and machine learning major, and it’s pretty male dominated. I never felt apprehensive about doing this because of my gender. In fact I’ve felt empowered to be a woman who shows others that they can do whatever they love. I don’t think I’ve ever been treated unfairly, but people have said things like, ‘You don’t look like a statistics major,’ which isn’t a surprise, but does make me want to change that stigma.”
-Megan, Carnegie Mellon University Class of 2017
Related:Â 50 Things Every College Student Should Be Able to Say to Professors
“My major actually isn’t male-dominated. As a Creative Writing major, my classes (which are usually about 10 to 20 people at the most) are largely female. Even though I don’t experience any discrimination in my classes, I have had males outside of the classroom chuckle at my choice of major and say, ‘…And you’d get paid for that?'”
-Olivia, University of North Carolina Wilmington Class of 2018
“The sports management major is predominantly male, with only about 15 women in the major. It depends on the professor. The female professors love women in the major but the male faculty don’t seem to care either way. I personally didn’t care about going into a male-dominated major because I was always placed with the boys whether it was sports or groups or projects. But no, I don’t think I’m treated fairly at all in being the minority. The boys in the major all feel they’re going to do better than the girls (who always do better anyway), and they act very arrogant towards us. They also think that because we’re women we’ll take on all of the work for group projects… which isn’t true.”
-Jessica, York College of PA Class of 2016
“I am a biomedical engineering major. It doesn’t really bother me, being a female minority. Sometimes I am uncomfortable and wish there were more females. I was never apprehensive just because I am a female. I think I am treated fairly. When it comes down to it, nothing really makes me different from everyone else.”
-Sierra, Case Western Reserve University Class of 2019
“I’m an Information Systems major (basically computer science). Honestly, it’s difficult. Even the professors are mostly male. I often struggle to find inspiration as one of the few females in my classes. I don’t have many role models to look up to or be encouraged by. I entered this field because I wanted to be that role model for young girls. Technology is incredible and fascinating and I believe it’s my passion. But without having female role models, its very difficult to keep going when I get knocked down. Sometimes I need someone to say, ‘Hey, I’ve been there. This is what I did and I believe you can get through it too.'”
-Kayla, Christopher Newport University Class of 2017
“I am majoring in Computer Science and Psychology. This combined program is primarily male, with primarily male faculty members as well. Being the minority as a female in class is almost strenuous. In some of my classes, I am the only female, and frankly it’s awkward. With my program being combined with psychology, a female-dominated major, I expected a lot more females. In my lower level courses, the women were abundant, and it gave me more confidence to speak up in class when another woman did. The more time I spend in the computer science and engineering buildings on campus, the more isolated I feel. Even the other women give off this vibe that they have to prove themselves and thus have this ‘one for all, and all for one’ attitude. Professors have actually apologized to me before for being the only female. They’re usually extremely understanding, but I’ve had some professors (when I am not a student of theirs) ask me if I am lost or confused many times before. These are instances where I am going to class—when I do not look confused—but regardless I still get that question. I volunteer in a computer science help center and I find the male students avoid asking me for help, and will ask my male peers instead, even if they are extremely busy and I am not. There are two ends of the spectrum: the guys who sympathize with my isolation, and others who avoid me to further the isolation. I have a lot of male friends, and when I tell them stories they are always in disbelief but these things have happened, and are hard to ignore. I will not lie, I am very limited in female friends. I do feel like I have to prove myself sometimes as a viable counterpart. And I love the feeling of surpassing expectations, its a rush of euphoria. I do not mind being the minority, not only as a girl, but as a woman of color as well, because I love what I do. I love my major. University is the experience I make it, and I intend to make it awesome.”
-Jasmine, University of Victoria Class of 2017