We’re on a mission to encourage, inspire and help women to discover the opportunities available in manufacturing and engineering and eliminate the idea that engineering is only a career for men. To help spread the word we sat down with Joanne, Engineering and Innovations Manager here at Ideal Heating, to discuss what it's like to be a female engineer in 2019.
What’s your job role?
My job title is Engineering Innovation Manager and, although my role can vary, ultimately, I explore how new technology can be introduced to drive continuous improvement and efficiency gains for Ideal Heating.
Describe an average day for you
My days are often filled with a lot of problem solving and solutions implementation which means no one day is the same. I work with the production teams to overcome challenges and make improvements as well as project engineering.
How did you get into this field of work?
I’ve always had an aptitude for science and maths which lent me well to a career in engineering. My dad was also an engineer, so I had an insight from a young age as to what an engineer did, and it looked really interesting! I was always fascinated by his work and engineering in general.
I went on to study engineering at university, achieving a B(ENG) honours in Mechanical Engineering and later a Masters in Advance Engineering and Management.
What advice would you give to women who would like to pursue a career in engineering?
Go for it! Even in job roles often associated with men I have always found the working environment to be very positive and supportive. The possibilities are endless and a career in engineering can take you anywhere.
Have you faced any obstacles in getting where you are today?
Being a woman in this industry has its preconceptions but I can honestly say I have found very little barriers in my journey to becoming an engineer. If anything, being a female in a predominantly male industry makes it easier to stand out from the crowd when it comes to being chosen for job roles and certain opportunities.
What’s the best part about your job?
My team are great, and I enjoy the fact that every day is different. Problem solving and overcoming challenges on a daily basis has to be a highlight too.
If I’m honest I don’t really feel like a ‘woman in engineering’ I just feel like an engineer.
To discover more about the opportunities we offer in heating and engineering innovation click here.
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