WIP: Latina Engineering Students' Experiences in Work-Integrated Learning

In this Work In Progress (WIP) research paper we explore the experiences of Latina engineering students during their industry placements, focusing on the factors that contribute to their success or hinder their progress. Latina engineering students face unique challenges when navigating industry placements, as they often confront issues related to gender, race, and cultural background. Using a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of 12 Latina engineering students who had completed industry placements in their undergraduate studies. The data was analyzed using Illeris' Model of Learning as a theoretical framework. Illeris postulated that learning happens on an individual dimension yet is always set in a social context. We used a combination of deductive and inductive coding to analyze the transcripts. The participants shared their thoughts and reflections on their experiences, discussing the challenges they faced, the support they received, and the value they believed they brought to the organization they worked for. The findings reveal that Latina engineering students report learning on the individual, cognitive, and affective dimensions of the Illeris' model. Yet they often encounter interactions that communicate stereotypes and biases in the workplace, which lead to some reporting feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome as the work cultures are not always welcoming to this group of students. The students highlight the importance of mentorship, networking, and self-advocacy in overcoming these barriers and thriving in their industry placements. Moreover, the study sheds light on the role of cultural background and identity in shaping the experiences of Latina engineering students in industry placements. Participants discussed how their heritage and values influenced their interactions with colleagues and supervisors, as well as their approach to problem-solving and teamwork. Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latina engineering students in industry placements, offering insights for educators, employers, and policymakers on how to support and empower this underrepresented group in the engineering workforce.