Girl power - the vehicle of success

We often see stories of women in STEM being highlighted and hear about achievements of women in engineering being celebrated, and it sometimes makes me wonder if we have begun treating it as common practice instead of the rarity that it really is. In 2021 in the UK, only 14.5% of those who worked in engineering were women. That is a frighteningly small percentage! Which is exactly why we need more representation and to do that, we need to make more noise. More stories, more visibility, and more reminders of why the International Women in Engineering Day is important for every person who cares about creating an impact in the world. Together, we can break barriers and pave the way for future generations of women engineers.

Ignition

From a young age, I was fascinated by the inner workings of machines and the principles of physics and mathematics that govern our world. As my mother fondly recalls, the toddler me would do a remarkable job at getting on her nerves with my endless stream of inquisitive questions, some of which even she had no answers to.

My passion for understanding how things work eventually led me to attend a workshop where a car engine was dismantled, revealing the intricate mechanics within. I was amazed at how the precise movement of the smallest of bearings could lead to the movement of huge vehicles. This pivotal experience sparked the fuel that ignited the desire to drive my educational journey in engineering, particularly in the automotive field.

I pursued a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering, followed by a master's degree in the same field. Throughout my studies, I was often confronted with the discontented awareness of the minority of my gender, which only spearheaded my determination to excel. Despite the challenges, I graduated among the top three performers in my degree and achieved a distinction in my master's program. This solid educational foundation prepared me for my current role in the transport industry, where I now specialize in data analysis and machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI).

Speed Bumps

Being a woman in engineering has presented its fair share of challenges. In my early years, I often found myself to be the only female in the room, while my contributions were sometimes overlooked or undervalued during group discussions. The lack of female professors, classmates, and industry specialists around me severely limited my gender representation in this field, and there certainly were times where I felt isolated and alienated. During practical workshops, I was frequently assigned duties that were more “typical to women” such as note-taking, while my male peers took on the greasier hands-on tasks. However, these obstructions were mere speed breakers and I refused to let them halt my momentum. I consistently challenged these biases and volunteered to take on opportunities, proving my capabilities and eventually earning the respect of my professors and peers alike. It may be cliché, but the right mindset means half the battle is already won.?

Pitstop

Throughout the years, I have been fortunate to find strong role models and mentors who have guided me and refuelled my fervour when I most needed it. Some of the women in my life who were instrumental to my journey were my mother who unconditionally supported my ambitions, the sole female professor in my university who understood my plights and gave me hope for women in engineering, and my female colleagues who inspire and encourage me to exceed my boundaries. I also deeply appreciate the men who have supported me by treating me as an equal and amplifying my voice in discussions where it seemed to be drowning. A robust support system is crucial in the path to success, and the encouragement from my loved ones, the mentorship from my professors, and the camaraderie of my peers have all played significant roles in my personal and professional growth.

Gear Shift

Looking ahead, I aspire to continue making significant contributions to the transport industry, particularly in the realm of new technologies and AI. I am grateful to everything that my journey as an engineer has taught me, including developing crucial career skills such as creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

I envision a future where gender equality is the norm in engineering, and workplaces actively support women's professional growth. This includes establishing female-focused groups, offering platforms for women to showcase their talents, providing mentorship opportunities, and promoting visibility for women in leadership roles. On a personal note, I hope to inspire women – especially young girls deliberating career choices – to believe that they can achieve anything they set their mind to, and I hope to see an increase in women engineers thriving in their careers in the years ahead.

Over the years, I have witnessed a gradual but positive shift in the engineering industry towards greater gender diversity. More women are entering the field, and there is a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity. I have been working in the road transport sector for nearly two years now, and it fills me with optimism to see women-led initiatives and female leaders being celebrated in the industry.?

Zero to Sixty

To young women considering a career in engineering, my advice is to remain resilient and confident in your capabilities. The field of engineering offers endless opportunities to accelerate your growth and make a tangible difference in the world. The key to staying motivated and enthusiastic about work is by continuously learning and embracing new challenges. The road to success may not always be an easy one, but you can manoeuvre through it as long as your passion fuels you.

Stay curious, seek support, make pitstops if needed, and never shy away from challenging the status quo. And don’t forget to make noise – be bold and rev those engines a notch louder!