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 Judith Travers BEng(Hons) MSc CEng MCIHT Senior Engineer at Amey Consulting.
At secondary school my favourite subjects were Science (in particular Physics), Technology and Mathematics. My Mum had always told me that I would make a good Civil Engineer as I loved problem solving and a piece of software during careers class agreed - who was I to argue? I remember people being shocked when I told them I was applying for Civil Engineering at University as that was a “degree for boys”, but this just made me more determined to succeed and prove them all wrong!
Without doubt it is the variety; from the projects I have had the opportunity to work on, to the teams I have been a part of and the different clients I have had the opportunity to work with. It may sound like a cliché, but no two days are the same and every day is a new challenge to get to grips with.
There are currently too many men at meetings in engineering. Women can bring a whole new perspective to the industry and have so much to offer. Women have a fantastic opportunity to enter into this male-dominated industry and take it by storm; to table new ways of working, new ideas and new solutions and I think it is so exciting!
The main obstacle to young girls entering into engineering is lack of role models. If they don’t see successful female engineers the way they do teachers, doctors and lawyers they will never want to find out what Engineers do meaning they will never have the opportunity to even be informed of the endless possibilities in this industry, never mind inspired. Companies need to celebrate their female engineers and help increase their visibility to school children by organising information days / stem events at schools.
Becoming a Chartered Engineer has been my career goal from when I was at University, so I was delighted to achieve this last year. I felt that all of my hard work culminated in that process and it was recognition that I was in fact a good Engineer, despite sometimes feeling like an imposter. I felt it especially important as a woman because it is a professional achievement irrespective of gender that people cannot ignore or disregard. I earned it and it felt like a big rubber stamp on my career to date. I think Judith Travers CEng MCIHT is a nice way to sign off emails and helps reassure colleagues and clients that I know what I am doing.
Do it! Find out as much as you can from Engineers working in the industry so you have a real appreciation of the opportunities out there.. Do not be intimidated just because you don’t know any female Engineers, or exactly what engineering is. Reach out and chat to female Engineers to get an insight into their careers and seek their advice - I am sure they would be thrilled to help. Engineering is such an exciting field with new challenges, new technology and new solutions, it is unlikely to disappoint. The opportunities are varied and wide-ranging; you are sure to find an area or specialism that you love and once you do there would be no stopping you. Come and show the men how it’s done.
Judith Travers BEng(Hons) MSc CEng MCIHT Senior Engineer at Amey Consulting
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.
