11 Career Lessons From A Woman In Tech

I knew from a fairly young age that I wanted to work in aerospace engineering. In fact, it was at a visit to an air show that I first felt captivated by the fast jets. However, my family always wanted me to follow in my mum’s footsteps and become a pharmacist – at times I felt I should explore this. Ultimately, though, I trusted my gut and have never looked back. My parents now say it’s the best decision I ever made.

It was during my time studying Aerospace Engineering that I first realised the extent of the gender disparity in STEM industries, and engineering more specifically. It isn’t just something I found in higher education, but throughout my career and still to this present day. In fact, women make up just 24% of STEM employees in the UK, with sectors such as engineering having a workforce that is just 11% female. On my course I was one of just two females in a class of over 30 people. I was shocked and a little intimidated at first, but it didn’t stop me or make me feel as if I didn’t belong. However, it did make me realise that to many people I don’t ‘look like an engineer’. I would encourage all young female students to follow their passion and dreams and to never be held back by stereotypes, stigmas or misconceptions – especially because STEM industries are still male dominated. I grew up feeling like I didn’t fit the mould, so my advice to female students now who might have the same concern to ignore it as STEM truly is for everyone of all backgrounds.

It was during my time studying Aerospace Engineering that I first realised the extent of the gender disparity in STEM industries, and engineering more specifically. It isn’t just something I found in higher education, but throughout my career and still to this present day. In fact, women make up just 24% of STEM employees in the UK, with sectors such as engineering having a workforce that is just 11% female. On my course I was one of just two females in a class of over 30 people. I was shocked and a little intimidated at first, but it didn’t stop me or make me feel as if I didn’t belong. However, it did make me realise that to many people I don’t ‘look like an engineer’. I would encourage all young female students to follow their passion and dreams and to never be held back by stereotypes, stigmas or misconceptions – especially because STEM industries are still male dominated. I grew up feeling like I didn’t fit the mould, so my advice to female students now who might have the same concern to ignore it as STEM truly is for everyone of all backgrounds. 

I would also encourage female students to never let other people determine what you think you can’t do or what career you should get into. This is one of the main reasons why I wanted to become a STEM Ambassador – to encourage and inspire students to follow their dream career, no matter what industry. If you work hard and stay true to yourself, the benefits will follow. Throughout university and the early years of my career I had low confidence and wouldn’t speak up about any achievements or network outside of my comfort zone. This all changed for me after I came back from maternity leave. I achieved my professional registration, becoming a Chartered Engineer, a promotion to Senior Engineer, became a STEM Ambassador and began actively networking.

When I graduated from university, I had no industry experience as I hadn’t taken any placement years or networked to make industry contacts. This meant that I struggled initially to find my first job, but I persevered and got one working as a Technical Design Engineer on novel business and first class suites on passenger planes. Once I’d gained a few years of experience in my first role, I applied for a job as a Flight Systems Engineer at BAE Systems where I’ve spent the last eight years working on various programmes. My advice might sound clichéd, but always be yourself and trust in your own ability. So many people, especially women, doubt themselves when they don’t need to. Being nervous for new job interviews is understandable and often a good thing because it shows you care, however, it’s also possible to walk in there as your most confident self. Also, preparation is key; do your research on the role and the company to help you feel ready.