Navigating Barriers into Technology

Abstract

In the context of declining STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) enrolment in Germany and persistent gender disparities in technology fields, this paper examines the barriers encountered by successful entrants into technology research and the strategies that supported their persistence. Based on narrative biographical interviews with 13 early-career researchers in Germany, and a ranking task on ten career-choice factors, the study finds that most factors were remembered as encouraging, while Gender Identity Fit and Competence Beliefs emerged as the most ambivalent and discouraging. Gender Identity Fit was particularly discouraging for some female participants because of low representation and limited role models, though for others it fostered defiance and persistence. Competence Beliefs were discouraging across genders and were shaped by uncertainty, perceived lack of ability, and the image of technology as difficult. Participants described two recurring ways of navigating these barriers: reframing competence through learning experiences and normalizing uncertainty through peer interaction. The findings are relevant for technology-oriented degree programs, including biomedical engineering, and underscore the importance of addressing early barriers to support more inclusive entry and persistence in technology.