Meet a Women Engineer (7)
Job Title: Senior Process Safety Engineer
Location: Manchester/London
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
I became interested in engineering from a young age. As a child, I always asked a lot of questions about why things worked the way they did. One of the things I found fascinating was the cooking process of converting raw ingredients into delicious food.
My fascination and curiosity were encouraged by my very supportive parents and siblings. In school, I also thoroughly enjoyed the logical lessons in maths and physics. Based on my interests and discussions with family and friends, I decided to study chemical engineering at university.
What does an average day look like for you?
No two days are the same! I get involved in a range of activities such as leading hazard identification workshops with a team of engineers from different disciplines, brainstorming potential solutions to mitigate/eliminate hazardous scenarios with my colleagues, or analysing engineering documents to carry out risk assessments or design reviews for safety.
I work in a company that is developing a pioneering electrolyser technology, so there are different challenges to solve on a daily basis! As a safety engineer, it is also important that I have a good overview of the engineering process/system, so I can identify what could go wrong and put measures in place to eliminate/reduce the risk of hazardous scenarios.
Some days, I get invitations to speak to the younger generation to consider STEM careers – I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities to share my excitement about engineering and my engineering career so far.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I studied to obtain a Bachelor’s degree at University of Lagos, Nigeria in Chemical Engineering. Afterwards, I moved to the UK to complete my Master’s degree in advanced chemical engineering (Process Systems specialisation) from Imperial College London.
My journey into process safety engineering began at my first role after my master’s degree, where I worked on safety, risk and reliability assessments for oil and gas facilities. I’ve also achieved professional registration as a Chartered Engineer in September 2022.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
One of the challenges is the misconception is that women are not suited for some (or any!) areas of engineering. This is mainly due to the depiction of engineering in the media. Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of engineering is hard hats and greasy overalls.
While this is part of engineering, other engineering areas exist. This is why I am passionate about demystifying the engineering profession. Engineering is generally about solving societal challenges. As women make up roughly half of the human population, we should be adequately represented in the solutions to these challenges.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
Boldly explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo. Engineering is a great way to contribute to solving global challenges working with other skilled people in the industry. Despite the prevailing stereotypes, there is no one way an engineer should look like. Seize every opportunity to contribute your unique skills to solving challenges we face in the world today.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
I have quite a few! However, the one that stands out would be the opportunity to ride in a helicopter to an offshore oil and gas facility in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This was my first opportunity to see, in real life, various equipment which I had only previously encountered in drawings or videos.
Job Title: Graduate Civil Engineer (Former Civil Engineering Graduate Apprentice)
Location: Based in Aberdeenshire (Design office location: Edinburgh)
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
Becoming an Engineer wasn’t necessarily something I thought about as a young child probably because I didn’t realise it was an option. It wasn’t until my teenage years that I realised the subjects I enjoyed at School aligned with a career in engineering. These were maths and sciences alongside my passion for art & design. I really enjoyed the structures topic we did in our engineering science class in Secondary School and in 2017 I successfully gained an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. As part of the scholarship, I was able to go on work experience to a large infrastructure project. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see some ‘real-life’ civil engineering taking place on-site. A combination of all these experiences made me certain that civil engineering was the right career choice for me.
What does an average day look like for you?
In civil engineering, every day is different. Some days I work remotely, others at the office and sometimes I go out on-site but regardless of this, I start work at 8 am and usually begin by reviewing and replying to emails. I then go through my tasks for the day and check in with my team members at work. My main responsibilities include drafting design drawings, undertaking structural calculations, writing reports, and undertaking project management tasks. I like to make a start on big tasks in the morning then I can use my lunch break to reflect on what I’ve done and re-set my thoughts to continue in the afternoon. My workday usually finishes at 4:30 pm.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I had originally planned on studying civil engineering at University but realised that through a graduate apprenticeship, I could work and gain valuable experience as well as study at the same time. At School, I completed Scottish Higher qualifications in maths, english, physics, engineering science, geography, spanish, and german. I specifically required maths and sciences to get into my Civil Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship University course. I have now completed a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering degree through the Graduate Apprenticeship route.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
Personally, I didn’t face any major challenges with my career decision as a woman engineer. I think perceptions that certain careers are solely for males are changing albeit slowly. Some people were surprised when I told them that I was entering a career in engineering however I have been lucky to have a great support network around me who never questioned if it was the right career choice for me as a woman. I do often find myself in situations at work where the room or site is male-dominated but I don’t let this deter me. I am aware that gender disparity in engineering careers is unfortunately still very common and this drives me on as a STEM ambassador to change the perception of career stereotypes.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
My advice to any young girls considering a career in engineering would be to remain confident with your decision-making ability and take every opportunity that comes your way. It can be easy to shy away from taking on responsibility when you work in a male-dominated environment however you are an engineer because you have the correct skills and qualities to be one so don’t be afraid to show off your great work. Just give everything your best shot!
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
A standout memory for me was going on-site during the construction stage to a project that I was the Lead Designer for. I was involved in the project from initiation through to construction so worked on it for a considerable amount of time. It was the first time I had seen something I had designed being constructed out on-site so it was definitely a proud and memorable moment for me.
Job Title: Head of Temporary Works Engineering, Multiplex Construction Europe
Location: London
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
From a very young age, I followed my dad when he was doing DIY and always wanted to have a go myself. I remember my mum telling my dad not to let me see him using a hammer because I would also want to hammer things but maybe not the right things! I have always had a love of Lego, building things and also taking things apart to see how they worked but I never really knew what an engineer was.
I only realised that a career in engineering was right for me about three months into my first job, I loved it and still love it today!
What does an average day look like for you?
It’s hard to say what an average day looks like because I don’t think I have ever had teo days the same in over 23 years.
The nature of my current role as the Head of Temporary Works Engineering covering all our UK projects requires a lot of communication and liaising with engineers and project teams.
One minute I could be in a co-ordination meeting, the next minute I could be either on a general site visit, providing construction training to future talent or problem-solving site issues that may arise. This is what makes construction and engineering an exciting industry to work in.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I can’t say that I really knew what I wanted to do as a career. I didn’t know what an engineer did when I was choosing my A-Levels but I took a risk on the advice of a family friend who was a civil engineer and said that I would make a good engineer one day.
Based on this and after my A-Levels, I chose to study Civil Engineering at university and came out of university with a Civil Engineering degree.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
My parents were more concerned about my choice of career than I was. As a woman who is short and of an ethnic minority entering a male-dominated industry, I understand their concerns but when I started my career, I was unfazed and thought I could do anything I put my mind to.
There have been challenges throughout my career, I started as the only female on site and men often assumed that I had an admin role as it was very rare to be female and an engineer over 20 years ago. Fortunately, this mindset has shifted, and we have many more amazing female engineers in the industry now.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
Just do it! You can be whoever you want to be and do whatever you want to do if you have passion, drive and a positive mind.
There are always people around who are more than willing to help and encourage future construction professionals so don’t be afraid to try something new and go after your dreams.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
I have so many funny, amazing and interesting stories and memories from my career as an engineer, where do I start? On my very first project I was on site doing some monitoring and I could see the survey manager setting out some points for construction in the river. It was low tide; his assistant was in the river and he was approximately 100m away.
As his assistant was moving to locate the points, with the soft mud of the riverbed, her feet were slowly getting stuck in the mud to the point that she couldn’t get out. She had to be rescued by the site team and we needed the crane to assist. She came out of the river without her boots as they were stuck fast and to this day, I don’t know if the boots remained in the river or not.
Working on Crossrail, I was responsible for co-ordinating and managing the largest archaeological excavation in Europe (at that time). We excavated 3,500 skeletons from the Bedlam burial ground prior to the construction of the Liverpool Street Crossrail station.
Job Title: Senior Structural Engineer and AFBE-UK Schools Making Engineering Hot
Location: London, United Kingdom
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
Growing up, I have always been quite intrigued in how things work, I remember my mum always saying if something can’t speak it cannot be smarter than you. That stuck with me as it made me always want to fix things around the house which includes changing a plug socket and getting electrocuted.
I was also really keen on playing outdoors and one day I caught myself staring at my 16-storey tower block which was one of 6 large concrete frame blocks on the council estate I grew up on. I remember saying to myself, how do these things stand up with no support and not even moving…I was intrigued.
Coupled with always wanting to fix things and being really interested in Maths and Science, that sparked the idea in my mind that I wanted to become an engineer. I don’t think at that point I completely understood what an engineer was and even what type of engineer I wanted to be. I just knew it would be fun and it matched my skills set (I’m not a big fan of writing)
Having the opportunity to do a BTEC first engineering course in year 10 changed the trajectory of my career because it further sparked my interest in engineering, but at that point, I still didn’t know which type of engineering I wanted to do.
When I was choosing my A-levels I knew I was going to study civil engineering, but it was at the point I was offered a scholarship to do a master's in structural engineering that I decided that I wanted to be a structural engineer.
What does an average day look like for you?
I manage a small engineering team developing and delivering engineering solutions for our clients.
I am responsible for undertaking structural design and analysis and collaborating with the wider design team coordinating, managing, delegating and implementing structural designs with a range of building requirements.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I had to study Physics and Maths at A-Levels. I studied Civil Engineering at university for my undergraduate degree and then went on to do an MSc in Structural Engineering.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
The main challenge was being asked why I wanted to pursue this career as it is a male-dominated field. I didn’t let that discourage me, it just made me want it even more.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
You can do it! Do not ever let someone's perception of what the world looks like change yours. It's not as scary as it looks and it's super fun.
Now I can even match my love for acting with my career, as I have featured on science documentaries on channels such as National Geographic.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
I remember, walking into first engineering class where I was the only female and it was very intimidating but I had to remind myself that my gender doesn’t matter, the important thing was that I was there to learn.
Name: Kate Bullen
Job Title: Asset Commissioning Manager at Wessex Water
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
I was given my first Mecano set by my parents when I was 4, along with a Lego train set – both of which I still have. I have been taking things apart my whole life to find out how they work (much to my parents dismay in my earlier years), and I’ve always been fascinated by the how’s and why’s of life.
What does an average day look like for you?
After spending 20 years as an Engineer I now manage a team of 20 Engineers, Technicians and Graduates. A lot of my life now is spent on my laptop and in meetings, but everyday I am involved in technical discussions with either a member of my team, or someone in the wider business
How did you get into this career?
What qualifications did you get? I have A levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and went on to Leeds University to study Environmental Chemistry. I became interested in water, and so chose to go to Birmingham University to complete a Masters in Water Resources. During that time I became fascinated by sewage treatment, and all the physical, chemical and biological processes involved. From there I was very lucky to be offered a position as a process engineer with Bechtel Water, who were working for United Utilities (or North West Water as they were at the time).
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
I faced a huge amount of discrimination as a female working on construction sites on sewage works, but never over my choice of careers.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
I believe the most important point is to not consider your gender when deciding what career you would like to go into. If Engineering fascinates you, and it’s a career you would like to pursue, then just go for it. Everyone brings their own perspective to the job they do, and it’s only by having a broad range of people in a team that the team can be complete.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
As a young graduate I managed to get a whole construction site to stop working as I walked across it – women were rarely seen on sites in the mid ‘90’s. I also remember the time that someone can into the site cabins and asked for the site manager as he needed an induction. I said that I could do it and he looked very unsure, so I passed him onto the site manager, who promptly bought him back into my office so I could do the induction. He did apologise!
Job Title: Key Account Portfolio Director
Location: Based in Edinburgh covering the UK
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
Once I had successfully achieved my apprenticeship, I knew I wanted to remain in the industry and have a successful career in engineering. I felt because I had come so far, I owed to myself to continue.
What does an average day look like for you?
Currently I am office/home based with occasional site visits and spending days with engineers. When I was a mobile engineer, we serviced commercial properties across the central belt of Scotland. Attending sites for planned preventive maintenance or reactive breakdown jobs. I worked across multiple trades so could be maintaining, repairing, or installing AC or gas systems to more glamorous work of unblocking toilets. I enjoyed the interaction with the customers and surprising them when a female engineer arrived on site.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I knew I wanted to become an apprentice and not attend university however I fell into engineering as my brother had started an apprenticeship the year before, so I followed in his footsteps with encouragement from my father.
I achieved SVQ Level 1, 2 & 3 Heating & Ventilation in Service & Maintenance qualification from North Glasgow College. My company also paid for my driving lessons and test which I successfully passed first time and allocated me my first vehicle which was an Astra van.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
I faced many challenges as the only woman on the tools in my company and on my college course. It was harder for me to fit in with the younger men I was attending college with and there were many times I had to share facilities such as changing rooms as they weren’t equipped for women. I also had to deal with being written off daily by the men I worked alongside and customers which isn’t easy at 17. As the saying goes, I had to work twice as hard as a man to be seen as half as good as one. I felt different and felt on some occasions I was treated differently certainly until they got to know me better and found out I was more than capable which I was determined to show everyone!
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
Go for it! The career opportunities and earning potential in this industry is massive and it doesn’t just stop at becoming an engineer. Do not doubt yourself or hold yourself back because of your gender because in reality this isn’t a factor in becoming a great engineer, manager or director. Let your work do the talking. I believe attitudes are now changing towards women in engineering and it is far more accepted and accessible than when I started. My granny laughed at me when I told her I was an engineer, I don’t think she believed me, although we still have work to do to promote this career for young women, I believe societal views are shifting.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
I really enjoyed being an apprentice and working alongside many great men who have become lifelong friends and allies.
Name: Lisa Abbott
Job Title: Pre-Construction Director
Location: Birmingham
We're delighted to have worked with Lisa Abbott, who has enjoyed a successsful career in the construction industry, and now holds a senior role working for BAM Construction.
Here's her story:
When did you realise that a career in engineering was right for you? Was there a particular moment in your life?
When I was studying A Levels, I wanted to do something that continued with the maths and sciences I was studying but wanted to do a vocational course at university – rather than studying an academic subject for another 3 or 4 years and still not knowing what career I was going to follow.
After looking through the big book of careers (no Google in those days!) I was interested in Engineering and Quantity Surveying, so I organised a work experience placement at Wimpey Construction in the surveying department – and I loved it! Looking back this was mainly because of the people I worked with, and this is still true today – construction is all about the teams and people we work with.
What does an average day look like for you?
Is it a cliché to say there isn’t an average day? My career has been through a number of iterations to get from quantity survey to preconstruction, but none of them have involved an ‘average day’. Its all about interacting with teams, both internal and external, and developing solutions to the challenges we face on projects and as an industry. Although there can be a theme to the challenges, each project and client is individual and has individual needs.
How did you get into this career? What qualifications did you get?
I went to university to study a degree in Quantity Surveying, and quickly followed that with gaining my MRICS status. After about 10 years in the industry I did an MSc in Construction Project Management, and that was invaluable.
Did you face any challenges with your career decision as a woman engineer?
My parents were unimpressed with my choice, and it was hard going off to university and taking that big step of independence under a bit of a cloud. And when I look back at those early career years, I can see how hard I had to work to integrate with project teams and prove myself as a woman in construction. Although women are still very under-represented in construction and engineering now, I hope their experiences are better now men are used to working with us and appreciate that we are as good as our male counterparts.
What advice would you give to young girls considering a career in engineering?
Go for it, it’s a brilliant industry! The opportunities and variety are amazing, and construction needs you. We need a more diverse industry to represent the communities and clients we work for. Our industry transforms communities, all our projects make a difference and if we don’t have diverse teams that understand the stakeholders we work with, how can we deliver long term sustainable solutions.
Do you have any standout memories/funny/interesting stories from your career as an engineer?
Visiting the billion-dollar replacement Oakland Bay Bridge project in San Francisco as part of my MSc course was amazing. The scale of engineering to put foundations in San Francisco Bay and off site manufacturing of precast bridge sections was beyond anything else I’ve ever seen, and makes you realise the extreme challenges that engineers can solve.
