What made you become an engineer?

I liked the idea of using my science and maths skills to create a difference in the built world.

What would you say is your career highlight so far?

Any scheme where I’ve had the opportunity to work on a project from the stage of identifying options through to completion of construction has been very satisfying.

What advice would you give someone just beginning their engineering career?

Push yourself and your employer to get as wide an experience as you can. Take opportunities and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find mentors who can help you develop and offer the benefit of their experience. Remember to maintain a healthy work life balance.

What impact do you think STEM programs have on the number of women and minorities becoming engineers?

I was lucky enough to attend a STEM scheme when I was in the sixth form and it helped me decide on my future career. I am proud to be a STEM Ambassador as I believe it is important for girls and their teachers, parents and peers to see that STEM careers are for everyone.

Do you think your gender affects the work you do? / if so how?

Yes, I design highways and as a woman and a mother I have different experiences of using these spaces than my male colleagues. For instance I consider how safe I would feel or how easy it would be to navigate with a pushchair.

Why is female talent so crucial to engineering ?

In the highways and transportation industry we design infrastructure that is used by everyone in society and unless it is designed by teams who can represent all sectors then we risk limiting who can access the world. There is an excellent example of this in Caroline Criado Perez’s illuminating book Invisible Women, see the chapter “Can snow-clearing be sexist?”. In addition, the industry desperately needs more engineers and by encouraging women to consider the sector we can help fill the skills shortages.

With the theme for this years international women in engineering day being enhanced by engineering. How you feelyou've been enhanced by engineering?

I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and meet all sorts people who I wouldn’t otherwise have met.

What do you think leaders need to be thinking about or doing today that perhaps wasn’t part of the equation forleaders five or ten years ago?

There have been many changes over the last decade. The additional challenges and opportunities include:How we deal with climate and sustainability and how we can make changes but without causing economic problems for the most vulnerable.

Changes in technology including the use of digital collaboration spaces and the advancement of artificial intelligence. Completing projects with teams that span the globe.

Laurie Robinson, Arcadis, Principal Engineer

CIHT Statement

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.