As the Campus Lead for The Percentage Project at Western University, I’ve had the unique opportunity to uncover compelling data that tells the story of our computer science students' experiences. What we found wasn’t just numbers – it was a narrative about confidence, pressure, and the ongoing need for support in our tech community.
The Confidence Gap: A Tale of Two Experiences
Our survey revealed striking gender differences in confidence levels within computer science. While 54.2% of men reported feeling confident in their studies, only 35.7% of women shared the same confidence. Perhaps more telling was that 21.4% of women reported feeling intimidated in their studies, compared to 16.7% of men. These numbers aren’t just statistics – they’re a call to action.
The Weight of Expectations
One of our most significant findings was about the pressure students face. A striking 42.9% of women and 29.2% of men reported feeling pressure to secure internships, job opportunities, and engage in extracurricular activities. This universal challenge crosses gender lines but affects different groups differently.
Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Challenge
The data on imposter syndrome was particularly revealing:
- 31.2% of women reported “intense” experiences of imposter syndrome, compared to just 10.5% of men
- 37.5% of women and 42.1% of men reported “moderate” levels
- Only 6.2% of women reported experiencing “few” instances, versus 21.1% of men
These numbers tell us that imposter syndrome isn’t just an individual experience – it’s a systemic challenge we need to address.
Support Systems and Resources
When asked about departmental support:
- 56.2% of women and 63.1% of men either somewhat or strongly agreed they felt supported
- However, 31.3% of women disagreed or strongly disagreed about feeling adequately supported
- The neutral response was notably higher among men (26.3%) than women (12.5%)
The Continued Need for Support Organizations
Perhaps our most powerful finding was that 75% of women and 31.6% of men strongly agreed that organizations supporting underrepresented groups are still needed today. This overwhelming response validates the importance of initiatives like The Percentage Project and similar support networks.
Moving Forward: What These Numbers Tell Us
Our data doesn’t just highlight challenges – it points to opportunities. Every percentage represents real students with real experiences, and understanding these experiences is the first step toward creating meaningful change.
As Nicole Hsieh emphasized, “Data is more than just numbers. It has the potential to become a powerful tool to generate insights for a variety of problems.” Through The Percentage Project, we’re turning these insights into action, working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all computer science students.
Join the Movement
The Percentage Project has now spread to 15 campuses, each contributing to a broader understanding of student experiences in computer science. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or industry professional, there’s a place for you in this important work.
To learn more about bringing The Percentage Project to your campus or getting involved, visit percentageproject.org. Together, we can build a more equitable future in technology education.