Journal article
An exploratory study on how mechanical engineering undergraduates perceive participation in professional disciplinary engineering student organizations that influence their engineering identity
International journal of mechanical engineering education, Vol.52(3), pp.236-260
07/13/2023
DOI: 10.1177/03064190231185329
Abstract
Involvement in professional disciplinary engineering student organizations (PDESOs) positively influences engineering students’ college experience. While extensive research about engineering student societies and organizations has demonstrated various benefits for students, few studies explore professional disciplinary engineering student societies and organizations that provide unique opportunities tailored around specific engineering disciplines. To better understand how participation in PDESOs influences engineering undergraduates, we conducted an exploratory study, interviewing thirteen mechanical engineering undergraduates with six months to three years of experience with PDESOs. The overarching conceptual framework is derived from a combination of motivated identity construction theory and engineering identity, allowing us to see how participation in these organizations contributes to students’ engineering identity and professional development. Participants indicated that involvement in PDESOs provided unique professional development opportunities that enhanced their self-esteem and efficacy and provided a welcoming environment where they experienced a sense of belonging. These results demonstrate that participation in PDESOs contributes to professional development, interpersonal skills, and community engagement, preparing them for the engineering workforce, which contributes to a strengthened engineering identity.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An exploratory study on how mechanical engineering undergraduates perceive participation in professional disciplinary engineering student organizations that influence their engineering identity
- Creators
- Dominga Sanchez - Oregon State UniversityAmy L. Brooks - Oregon State UniversityHarriet Nembhard - University of IowaShane Brown - Oregon State University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of mechanical engineering education, Vol.52(3), pp.236-260
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- DOI
- 10.1177/03064190231185329
- ISSN
- 0306-4190
- eISSN
- 2050-4586
- Grant note
- 180836 / National Science Foundation (https://doi.org/10.13039/100000001)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 07/13/2023
- Academic Unit
- Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984444868202771
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