Owner of Vehicle Inspection & Training Services (VIATS) answers our questions about choosing engineering as a profession and the options available to young women in the sector.
Were you attracted to engineering at school?
I wanted to do something different, and I already had an interest in all sorts of vehicles. Following school, I searched for an engineering apprenticeship.
Were you encouraged to go into an engineering career by parents and teachers?
My parents were a little surprised, but very supportive of what I wanted to do. Unfortunately, engineering wasn’t really pushed at school (I attended school in Germany), and this is something I am keen to change.
Do girls know what career options are available to them in engineering?
I’m not sure that engineering or the wealth of career paths is explained particularly well to anyone! I often teach young people at secondary school age, as part of the MechaniX project. Girls, in particular, are astonished at the kinds of careers they could pursue in engineering. The overriding perception is that any kind of engineering is a dirty job, but when I explain different routes and job roles, their interest increases.
What has been your experience of engineering as a woman?
Overall, my experience has been very positive. Of course, there have been some bumps along the way, but proving yourself breaks down many barriers.
What would be your message to a young woman who is interested in engineering?
Do it! You’ll always find an area of interest and projects that need a creative approach.
Do you believe that solving problems is a big draw to engineering as a profession?
Absolutely. Part of the attraction for me was making things work and keeping them working reliably.
Can the major issues of our time, such as climate change and security, convince young women to pursue a career in engineering (given that there are problems that can be limited by engineering solutions)?
Of course. I don’t think engineering solutions or approaches are discussed anywhere near enough; the main focus to me seems to be on behavioural approaches. Engineering has a huge role to play in climate, security, transport, power production and so many other areas.
What characteristics do you need for a career in your profession?
I think you need a desire to get things done, coupled with a dose of pragmatism! I also think you need to be able to challenge and always ask ‘why?’ I work in the motor industry, which can be very challenging at times so, occasionally, resilience is key.