Civil Engineers plan, design and deliver construction projects supporting all sectors that are vital for sustaining life. The challenge for engineers like myself now is manage maintenance of inherited infrastructure stock, to build better with inclusivity whilst developing new applications of materials that reduce the construction industries impact on climatic carbon emissions. To address these I work with hundreds of colleagues with an array of expertise – legal, financial and technical. Underpinning the success of this all is clear communication and in my long experience of this sector something that the underrepresented women in engineering excel at.
My first career plan was in contemporary arts in metalwork. Despite my passion for this discipline, it was not easy to give back my endeavours in a way that benefitted many people. I took an evening course in 3D Civils and found out about the civil engineering sector for the first time when I was 26! There are so many opportunities in the south west to contribute to improving our natural resources, the access to them and to improve opportunities for our communities and with civil engineering you really can make effective changes.
I’m sure everyone starting their careers now must feel overwhelmed at how to begin; I hope that my story encourages them to reflect on what matters to them and have the confidence to put themselves in new roles to keep building experiences. And guys – play nice, you are only as good as your team. Playing with ideas and diverse thought (alongside years of learnt skills) will lead you all to the best solutions!