2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Effects of Jargon in STEM Job Advertisements on Genders

Presented at Women in Engineering Division (WIED) Technical Session 1

Abstract
Research shows that genders are affected differently by length and word choices in job descriptions. Additionally, research exhibits the existence of a gender confidence gap where women tend to not apply unless they are 100% qualified for the job. Our hypothesis was that women not familiar with the jargon on a job description will not feel completely qualified and be less interested in applying. To investigate this potential unconscious gender bias further, an experiment was performed where people viewed three Navy job descriptions in their respective STEM fields and asked their level of interest. This paper will show that women who do not have a background in the jargon are less likely to apply on jargon filled, STEM job descriptions than men. Conversely, when women have a background with the jargon, this paper will show that these women have a higher interest in the jargon-filled job advertisements than men do.

Authors

Ms. Krista Smith Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Port Hueneme [biography]

Krista Smith is a Team Lead at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Port Hueneme and is a current Graduate student for a Master's in Clinical Psychology Marriage Family and Therapy at the University of Pepperdine. Krista's research areas of interest include psychology, businesses practices and Leadership development. Krista holds a BS in Organizational Management from University of La Verne, and an MBA with a focus in leadership from University of Pepperdine.
Bridget Leana Davenport [biography]

Bridget Davenport is a SMART Scholar for Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) at the Port Hueneme Division. She graduated from Ventura College with an Associates in Science with Engineering Honors. She transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in pursuit of an Electrical/Mechanical Engineering degree. She plans to attend UCLA to earn a

Master’s Degree after returning back to work at the NSWC PHD. She is interested in working with the Vertical Launching System and Canister Maintenance and ORDALTS
Jason Faith Bickford
Leslie Abell
Sara Dooley

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