Why are no women in Chemical Engineering?

Question: Hello! I want to become a chemical engineer, and am applying to universities for it. But people mostly around me are discouraging me to pursue chemical engineering. They say its a job sector that's not designed for girls & it doesn't give much opportunity to girls. Plus I have also been told that the sector doesn't pay that well either. I have done a little research and I also saw a few forums discouraging it and a lot of less women in this sector.. My question is why? why dont't women actually pursue chemical engineering much? I love chemistry personally and I want to pursue a career in it. but I would really like some advices to build my confidence because I am feeling a little shaky to pursue chemical engineering. Thankyou,
posted by Priyanka , Bangladesh on November 2, 2012

Answer 1 by Egirl Team

Hi Priyanka,

I'm not sure who is giving you all this advice, but there are plenty of opportunities for women in chemical engineering.  Just check out all the profiles of women working in chemical engineering in our Directory of Women Engineers.

Answer 2 by Tiffany Johnston

I agree there are plenty of great oppertunities! I graduated in 2006 and of my fellow chemical engineering graduates about 60% of them were female. Actually, ChemE have the highest amount of female students. While some of the traditional chemical engineering jobs seem to be stereotypically male (oil and gas refineries for example) I have multiple female friends that have been working in these environments since our graduation. One of the reasons I specifically chose ChemE was I found its curriculum and therefore job prospects to be the most diverse. I’d like to point you to two additional resources; the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Both of these organizations will likely have student chapters at your local university. From a very quick internet search I found an article on the AIChE website about starting salary for Chemical Engineers. The good news is that it is the highest paying undergrad degree you can earn. Yes, the highest!!