Elizabeth, Ithaca, NY AddedWednesday, June 1, 2016 at 2:27 PM I'm slightly concerned by the idea of being the only female in a class full of men Hi! Recently I've been considering majoring in engineering (electrical, maybe mechanical or aeronautical). However, I'm slightly concerned by the idea of being the only (or one of the only) females in a class full of men. I don't want to be teased or even harassed because I'm a girl. What are your experiences? Were you teased or harassed in college/work because you're a girl? If so, how did you handle it and did it get better? Should I be concerned? Do you think the trend of engineering being predominantly male has changed or is changing? Thanks! Related to Opportunities/Challenges for Women Reset Sort By Default Ashley Van De Poel , HundredX Answered Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 2:27 PM Hi Elizabeth, I majored in math and was one of few females in my graduating class. I never felt that I was treated any differently, in fact I think it was a bit of a motivation for me (because I didn't want to be the girl who couldn't keep up). As an engineer now, I also have worked mostly with men. I've not really found it to be too much of a struggle. There have been a few times that I felt as though I was not taken seriously (although I think that has been mostly my own fear, and not so much a reality). Sometimes I feel that men communicate a little more abrasively than girls, and so I've struggled a bit with that (getting emotional about things that men might just brush off). I haven't seen much of an upward trend yet in the number of female engineers where I work, but I think that will change soon. I think there's a movement going on to expose younger girls to engineering, so hopefully as they enter the workforce we'll start seeing a change. Overall, my schooling and career have been positive experiences. I think it's important to always stay confident and just be sure of yourself, you'll do great!