Successful Latina Scientists and Engineers: Their Lived Mentoring Experiences and Career Development

Utilizing a phenomenological perspective and method, this study aimed to reveal the lived career mentoring experiences of Latinas in science and engineering and to understand how selected Latina scientists and engineers achieved high-level positions. Our in-depth interviews revealed that (a) it is important to have multiple mentors for Latinas’ success; (b) various types of mentoring can be effective in career development; (c) the support and encouragement of mentors is essential; and (d) mentoring relationships should be a mutual agreement. Findings also suggest that implementing formal and informal mentoring programs can encourage Latinas to pursue careers in science and engineering and have a positive influence on career success. The commonly shared characteristics and experiences that promote career success are trailblazer, mentoring types, networking, professional opportunities, support and encouragement, goal orientation, and passion and belief.