Given the underrepresentation of women within faculties in the physical science, this study investigated how the experiences of female graduate students influenced their postgraduate career choices. It queried the experiences of twelve female participants, their perceptions of an academic faculty career, and asked for suggestions for how universities could make faculty careers more attractive. The study found that despite an initial interest in a faculty research career, all but one of the participants had decided to pursue careers outside of academia. The participants cited the scarcity of tenure roles, the uncertainty of the tenure process, and the lack of work-life balance as the main deterrents to an academic career path. The participants noted the chilly campus climate and slow pace of change within universities as other barriers. The participants suggested cultivating a collaborative environment, a revamp of the tenure system, clarity for students, and additional support through their advisors and a network of mentors as potential mitigations. The participants noted the systemic nature of these issues and encouraged universities to cultivate inclusive spaces to retain underrepresented students and faculty alike. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]