International Women in Engineering Day, this year on the 23rd June 2017, is an annual celebration of the fantastic impact that women make to engineering internationally. It aims to recognise the women already working in the industry, and showcase the opportunities to future generations.
In support of this important day, Marine People and the IMarEST will be showcasing amazing international female engineers in our weekly blog. We want to demonstrate the diverse roles available within engineering, the career development opportunities, and provide some insight in to what it is like to be a female engineer in various parts of the world. We are passionate about showcasing the fabulous opportunities to women in maritime engineering, because we believe it is an exciting, varied and progressive career.
So, let us introduce this weeks featured engineer:
Gabriella Zsuzsanna, a Project Manager at Continental, based in Romania.
- How long have you been in engineering and what is your role?
I started my bachelor’s degree in 1999 in a then new field of engineering: robotics and flexible manufacturing systems. Since then I have explored several industries including nuclear, marine, supply chain, business development and energy.
- Why did you become an engineer?
I always liked the exact sciences, and I always wanted to build things. I was influenced by the books that I read and the movies I watched. I like the science fiction genre, hence the robotics bachelor.
- What are the best parts of your role?
I have had several roles in my career, always relying heavily on my technical skills, but varying from business development to construction supervisor. Presently I’m a project engineer, and the most fun part of the job is the diversity of the tasks. It is also fulfilling to see the parts of the puzzle come together.
- What challenges have you encountered?
I had some challenges in the beginning of my career to relate to some of my colleagues, but I was lucky to have wonderful mentors that shared their experiences. I can tell you that me being a woman was not part of the challenge, especially not in the marine industry. I was also surprised that in a traditionally male dominated workplace, I was accepted based on my knowledge by everyone.
- Why is it important to get more women in to engineering?
I think it is important to break the gender barriers across all sectors, so that women can build a career in engineering, or men in nursing, if they feel that the job will make them happy.
- What would you say to girls still in school who are thinking about engineering? How would you encourage them?
If you are passionate about technology it is worth to try. If you do something that you like it will not feel difficult, and all the challenges along the way will be ‘challenges’, not problems.
- What advice do you have for students just starting out?
One piece of advice is to do what you like, and build on that passion with hard work. Another is to be curious, ask yourself questions, and dig to satisfy your curiosities. These two things helped me in my career, but also in life in general.
For more information on International Women in Engineering Day please visit http://www.inwed.org.uk/
