A Day in the Life of a Process Engineering Manager

Meet our Process Engineering Manager, Christine Curtis, a dedicated professional who plays a crucial role in optimising our industrial processes. With extensive experience in designing and improving production systems, she leads our team in implementing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, quality, and safety. Her expertise and leadership are key to driving our company's success and ensuring we stay at the forefront of engineering excellence.

Q&A with Christine Curtis

1.?Tell us about your career journey with Bilfinger UK so far?

I have recently joined Bilfinger UK as Process Engineering Manager having spent the majority of my career working in the Oil & Gas, both on site operations and within projects teams. Originally from France, I came to the UK to pursue my studies in Chemical Engineering. I have now been living in the UK longer than I have lived in France. I am still hoping for better weather!

2.?What inspired you to pursue a career in Engineering?

I did not specifically make a conscious choice about engineering. I have always liked science and specialised in Physics/Chemistry for my Baccalauréat (French national academic qualification). I was still undecided close to the deadline for university application. A friend introduced me to the chemical engineering course content and I am so glad he did.

My first two years at Toulouse University were very hands on, with the majority of my learning being through practical lectures. It was very different from the typical lecture room subject I experienced in the UK while doing my BEng and MSc qualifications. Reflecting back, learning chemical engineering first principles through practical experiments was a key part of my education.

3.?Describe your typical day working within the Engineering Department at Bilfinger UK?

A typical day would mostly include collaboration, problem solving, prioritisation and planning. My primary responsibilities are to empower my process team to successfully deliver technical solutions under our project portfolio and to pursue their career aspirations. What I enjoy most about my role is the collaborative environment, all efforts to ensure we deliver as best as we can for our clients while improving our work processes and efficiency.

4.?Have you faced any significant challenges or obstacles as a woman in engineering? How did you overcome them?

During my engineering studies in France, one lecturer told me that I would never be able to become a chemical engineer. I did not let it affect me and pursued my studies further.

I have learned through these years that company culture is the most important aspect to me. We all face challenges regardless who we are. I have honestly never thought that challenges and obstacles coming my way have been down to my gender. Uniqueness and individuality is complex and the challenges I have faced throughout my career have taught me not to judge and try to seek to understand, as best as I possibly can.

5.?What achievements are you most proud of in your career and have you had any role models along the way?

I'm proud of being able to be a Mum and work full time, both roles are very important to my well-being. My son reminds me to value differences and makes me aware of my biases. He tends to have a different outlook to situations and widens my perspective.

I have come across colleagues along my path that were there to support my ambition and my aspirations and they are still in my network today. Additionally, my parents have always been supportive and taught me important soft skills. I owe them my determination and resilience.

6.?What do you think are the most effective ways to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering?

I think engineering should be promoted further and easy concepts to be introduced to schools as early as possible. ?

I think pupils would benefit from understanding the positive impact engineering has in our every day life and in our ambition to change the world through focused topic examples, such as the ones provided by STEM resources.

7.?What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?

Follow your ambition and do not let anyone discourage you. Engineering is a great career to have. Balancing your work and personal life is important in a demanding field like engineering so being fully present in whatever you do but also being able to switch off is vital.

I aspire to expand my network and support our next generation of engineers to make a difference so please feel free to connect with me if you are looking for advice on how to get into this field of work.

Interested in joining #TeamBilfinger like Christine?

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