As part of International Women in Engineering Day 2022 we have spoken to some of our talented and inspiring female members about their motivations, their careers and their advice on becoming an engineer. In this Q&A we speak to Cher Dowling BSc (Hons), MSc, IEng, MCIHT Engineer at Atkins.
When I was at school engineering was never a career that I considered. Like a lot of girls at that time I had the impression that engineering was all about building and construction and wearing hi-visibility clothing.
I chanced upon engineering when working for a Local Authority in an unrelated role. Looking for a new challenge I applied for a role as a Highways Inspector. I had some knowledge of the transportation sector gained whilst studying for a BSc in Geography and after speaking to some colleagues in the Highways department I thought it would be an interesting sector to get into. I particularly liked the idea that the job wasn’t office based. After a few years as a Highways Inspector I was wishing to progress further and I left to join my current employer as a Highways Maintenance Technician. Aware that I didn’t have any engineering qualifications I felt I could benefit by enrolling on an engineering course. With my managers support and day release from work I enrolled on a part time HNC Civil Engineering course and gained EngTech along the way. Shortly after returning from maternity leave I was promoted to Engineer.
My day-to-day duties and responsibilities are diverse and wide-ranging. A typical day can consist of undertaking site surveys, preparing design specifications and attending meetings. I love the variety & mix and it is very rewarding to see a scheme being constructed knowing that I have designed and contributed to that process.
I have real job satisfaction knowing that I have made a positive impact on the world by improving the lives of the local community and most importantly keeping road users safe. In addition, my employer is a great advocate of flexible working and I have an excellent work-life balance.
Gender diversity is crucial to the success of any business. As a profession it is vital that we are representative of an inclusive society. Women are no less capable of intellect and innovation and the industry is missing out on this wealth of talent. Having an equal representation of females and a diverse mix of employees leads to a more productive and balanced workplace. It is also vital that we have female engineers who can serve as role models for the next generation.
Whilst there has been great progress in recent years to attract and encourage females into the industry, there is still a common preconception that engineering is a career for men. Education can play a key role in changing that perception. Inspiring girls from an early age about engineering and STEM subjects as well as collaborating with parents, schools & career advisors to help educate and break down gender stereotypes are ways in which the industry can help to encourage more girls in pursuing a career in engineering. We need to increase the profile & visibility of female STEM role models so that women can see that they can be engineers just like men.
There is work to be done on changing the publics’ perception on what engineering entails. It isn’t all hi-visibility clothing and steel toe capped boots and you don’t have to be super clever and gifted in maths and science to be an engineer. We can also do more to make women feel welcome and valued in the profession. Things like making flexible working more standard across the industry and readily available ladies’ fit personal protective equipment such as hi-vis jackets and trousers are small details that can make a big difference.
Achieving IEng has been an important milestone in my career, and it demonstrates that I am a competent and professional engineer with proven capabilities. Since gaining IEng I have been exposed to new opportunities at work and without question I can say that having IEng status has enhanced my career prospects.
Successful engineers are those that continue to develop & learn by keeping up with changes & developments in the industry and by continuing their professional development. By undertaking a professional qualification like IEng you will raise your professional credibility and benefit greatly from a qualification that is recognised worldwide.
From civil & environmental engineering to chemical & aerospace engineering there are so many disciplines to suit everyone, whatever your skills or interests. Take some time to do some research and choose a discipline that you enjoy and have a real interest in. As an engineer you can make a real and long lasting different to the world around you and there aren’t many careers that can say the same thing.
Studying for a degree, apprenticeships & vocational courses are some of the routes into engineering. Ask around and see if anyone you know has any contacts with engineering companies so you could experience first-hand what engineering is about. Finally, join an institution like the CIHT and find yourself a mentor.
Cher Dowling BSc (Hons), MSc, IEng, MCIHT Engineer at Atkins
CIHT Statement
The opinions expressed are those of the author. 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.
