Abstract
The purpose of this case study is to explore the lived experiences of women engineering students. Social cognitive and social cognitive career theories served as the theoretical foundation of this study. In this study, a sample of seven engineering students from a small private university in Ecuador were interviewed using a semi-structured format to explore their perceptions of factors that help and hinder them in pursuing a degree and career in engineering. Using a grounded theory methodology, this study proposed a mid-level theory of the factors and processes that support and challenge them as engineering students at this institution. Themes pertaining to factors supporting students included aptitude, preferences and passion, relationships that matter, and resilience acquired through life goals and dreams. Themes relating to challenges women engineering students perceived included machismo as hegemonic masculinity, gender socialization, "guy talk," and the weed-out culture of engineering. The implications of these results for students, faculty, and administrators are discussed.