Believe in yourself and your goals will follow...

It’s International Women in Engineering day today (INWED23) and we’re celebrating the work of all the women working across disciplines here at MWL. Since the practice was set up in 1981 representation of women across the group has improved year on year - and long may the trend continue! ?

Women at MWL work across all aspects of the consultancy – mechanical, electrical, sustainability, BIM (Building Information Modelling) to wider operations and administration.? Amanda works in the Admin and Operations side of the practice. Whilst she doesn’t hold a formal Engineering qualification, she notes that the culture at MWL is positive and nurturing for all.?

“MWL has given me a real insight into the industry as well as getting to work with some fantastic people. The atmosphere of the office is like an extended "work" family!" - Amanda – Senior Administrator. Her colleague, Karen, Credit Controller, agrees, “Us ladies always pull together and help one another – it’s a good recipe for team spirit!"?

Poly, a Senior Sustainability Consultant commented, “there shouldn't be a gender bias or discrimination in any profession and the same goes for engineering! Everyone can pursue a role in engineering and by working hard and smart they can meet any carrier goal!”?

According to the Women’s Engineering Society March 2022 report however, women make up just 16.5% of the engineering workforce, but there’s hope on the horizon for more women to go into Engineering as the education system shifts to address the gender gap much further upstream. As Angela, a Senior Sustainability Consultant?reflected, “there is still progress to be made to encourage women to work in this sector, but with STEM being introduced in schools it gives young girls better options to consider a career in Engineering”.?

Rushika, one of MWL’s newest Graduate engineers, hasn’t looked back after choosing a career in Engineering. “During my placement at MWL, I have been fortunate to gain invaluable insights into the world of engineering. This opportunity has not only expanded my knowledge and skills in the field, but also provided me with the privilege of meeting and learning from highly skilled professionals”.

Christina, Senior Mechanical Engineer believes that despite the statistics, things are almost certainly changing for the better: “The myth that only men can do engineering is collapsing... For centuries engineering was a pure men’s profession, however over the years it’s been proven that women, by using their female nature apart from their technical knowledge are gaining ground on a daily basis in the profession with their lateral thinking and ingenuity to what was in all respects a male dominated industry”.

Rutuja, a Mechanical & Civil Engineer agrees and encourages all women to pursue a career in engineering: "If you are offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat! Just get on. I have a dual degree in mechanical and civil engineering, both of which are still very male-dominated fields. There is nothing to stop women from having a very successful career in engineering.? It’s about how you navigate your way through the challenges to get to your goals, that will make a difference.”?

So, for anyone considering getting into the fast-paced world of engineering consulting, here are some closing words of encouragement from the team:?

“Go for it - there is no limit to what women can do" - Maimoona – BIM Technician

“The work can be so rewarding; encountering problems, solving problems with an engineering approach” - Shirley - Mechanical Engineering Design?

“Believe in yourself and your goals will follow!” - Sarah – Accounts Manager - Finance??