Vince: Specifically what branch of engineering are you studying? Are the majority of your classmates male?
Ricky: I am studying computer engineering and the majority of my classmates are male. I would say the ratio of male to female would be 3 males for every 1 female.
V: How does that make you feel? Do you wish there were more females? Why or why not?
R: This ratio of male to female does not bother me at all. I wouldn't mind if more female were in engineering but it can't be helped. Engineering isn't an attractive major to female students.
V: Do you think this is good or bad for engineering?
R: I don't think it is bad for engineering but it isn't good either, because if this ratio continues engineering will still be fine. However, if there were more females in engineering, they can bring a more feminine approach to engineering and improve the subject.
V: How do you think having more female classmates will change the environment of the classroom? Will it be easier to socialize or what other factors do you think will change?
R: I think having more female classmates will change the learning culture of the classroom. The class will have different inputs and create a better learning environment, because females see things differently than males and this different view can make it easier for others to understand the topic. Also, it will be easier to socialize because currently there are more males than females, and it is difficult for the females to interact because females interact easier with females.
V: In the future, or even now, do you think you will have an advantage over women as the majority?
R: I think technically no, because I see men and women as equals, but since there are more male than female, it kind of reinforces the ideology that men are superior than women, at least in engineering.
V: Do you see these trends beginning to change in the future or do you think everything will be the same?
R: I see these trends changing in the future because as the world becomes more digitized, new smartphones, tablets, gadgets, etc., the jobs will be in these fields and the education system will have to place emphasis in these areas. Basically, the available jobs will be in engineering and it will be more attractive. Also, as the younger generations are becoming more immersed in electronics, they will develop skills for engineering and it will be an easier transition for them.
