Expert: Paul Soderman - 9/14/2008

Question
dear paul,
i am a high school student from india n plan on doing aeronautical engg after my school. but all my relatives think it is unsuitable for me since i am a girl. they tell me its not exactly a "women's" job. what do you think? i am really interested and would like to do it. but these comments are disheartening me slightly. could you please help me out n answer to my doubt???......plz reply as soon as possible.......
yours truly,
chaithra

Answer
Chaithra
I can't speak for India, but in the U.S. women in engineering, even aeronautical engineering, are highly regarded.  They often have excellent technical skills and bring a new perspective to group dynamics, i.e., working with people which is a big part of the job.  One of the best engineers on my staff at NASA was a young woman.  Because women are a small part of the engineering population, they are often recruited heavily.

However, if you are a female engineer in India you may be discriminated against.  I don't know that for sure, I hope I am wrong, but you need to think how you would handle that if it happened.  Good luck.
Paul