The downside of having to do this sort of work is that it's a form of emotional labor. And then over the long run, another important implication is that it can undermine your authority if you're being seen as too nice. A lot of women in male-dominated occupations have to kind of thread the needle or walk this fine line where you have to play nice and get what you want.
Being treated like an outsider. Feeling like you have to prove yourself. Struggling to make your voice heard. Whether it’s overt discrimination or more subtle forms of bias, male-dominated industries like engineering can pose challenges for women. Research shows that even well-meaning mentors direct female engineers into less technical, less valued roles. It’s no wonder so many women end up leaving the industry.
We talk to a professor and two students at Olin College of Engineering about their experiences working among mostly men, what it means to “play nice,” and how male colleagues can help (listen!). Then we talk to an expert about how to evaluate a company’s gender culture before you accept a job and how to stay true to your career goals when other people think they know what’s best for you.
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Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.