Understanding the Joint Development of Engineering and Leadership Identities

Abstract This work seeks to understand how undergraduate students view development of their engineering and leadership identities. The construct of engineering identity is important because its development improves student retention in college and into industry. Similarly, developing leadership identity influences leadership interest and self-efficacy. Through data collected in twenty focus groups and coded using consensus techniques this study finds similarities and differences between the development of each identity. Similarities include the positive impact of authentic experiences and importance of both internal and external recognition, while the linear development of engineering presents a stark contrast with student views of how leadership develops.