Happy International Women in Engineering Day from all at CBG Consultants.
International Women in Engineering Day (#INWED) now in its tenth year and was launched to celebrate women in engineering around the world. #INWED is an international awareness campaign which raises the profile of women in engineering and plays a vital role in encouraging more young women and girls to take up engineering careers.
To celebrate #INWED2023 we wanted to highlight some of our engineers and share their advice for those wishing to pursue a career in engineering…
Jemma Clerkin – Electrical Engineer
- Why did you choose to work in the engineering sector?
I wanted to be in a sector where sustainability had an important part to play in modern society. I first started my engineering journey with a renewable energy course but then moved onto building services. Engineering plays an important role for sustainability & our choices can make a positive impact on energy saving. As an electrical engineer one of my roles is to choose & specify equipment that not just works but also contributes to energy savings, for example lighting controls. Using daylight sensors & motion detectors to name a couple, this will control when the light goes on & off & can overall save energy, thus in the long having a positive effect on our environment.
- Who is your engineering hero and why?
My engineering hero is not trying to be bias but Nikola Tesla, in my eyes he was a genius of his time. He helped shape the world of electrical distribution & AC current which is still used to this day. What I admire most about Nikola Tesla, he wanted to make a change. When he was researching how to produce “free electricity” he wasn’t interested in the profits of making money from electricity, he wanted to make it free & available for everyone. He was an engineer with inventions that helped shaped our world today.
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
There is so much I enjoy about working as an electrical engineer in the building services sector. There are so many projects that CBG undertakes & I love the variety. One day working on a heritage project, the next is residential. When you pick up a project from the start you get to see it develop over time & transform into the final product. You get to take away the moment of “I was part of that project”.
- What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in engineering?
I would say do your research on what you’re interested in, prepare questions & go to university open days & career days. Always have an open mind because you may start off in thing & it might lead down a different path. I would also say, don’t give up! There will always be challenges that need to be faced & if engineering is what you want to do, push through it. It will be worth it.
Sibani Bhagotra – Graduate Sustainability Engineer
- Why did you choose to work in the engineering sector?
Greetings, I am Sibani Bhagotra a sustainable Architect/Engineer. I decided to pursue a career in the engineering sector because I wanted to make a positive impact on the built environment by integrating sustainability principles into architectural design. I believe that engineering plays a crucial role in creating energy-efficient buildings, designing sustainable infrastructure, and finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
- Who is your engineering hero and why?
My engineering hero is my family, specifically my grandfather, father, and brother, who are all engineers. They have been a constant source of inspiration and guidance throughout my journey. “I was drawn to architecture because it allowed me to embrace and channel my creativity, but I wanted to engineer this creativity in the ability to transform ideas and concepts into tangible structures that impact people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling to me. Reinstating that engineering is not just a profession but a mindset that can be applied to every aspect of life.
- What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to merge creativity with technical expertise. As an architect with a background in sustainability engineering, I find great satisfaction in integrating sustainable design strategies, such as passive heating and cooling, renewable energy systems, efficient material selection, and water conservation, into projects. Seeing the positive impact of these sustainable design choices on energy consumption, occupant comfort, and environmental performance is a contribution to the betterment of society.
- What advice would you give to someone wanting to work in engineering?
There is nothing that is beyond anyone’s capabilities. The entire narrative revolves around one’s interest in a particular subject. Once you feel curious and motivated to gain knowledge and expertise in a specific field, that’s when you realize you can delve deeper into the subject and potentially pursue it as a profession. Engineering is a multidisciplinary field, and having a diverse skill set can be advantageous. I think engaging with mentors and peers can provide guidance, support, and potential career opportunities in the field of engineering. Engineering projects often involve collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Developing strong teamwork and communication skills is crucial for effectively conveying ideas, working collaboratively, and ensuring project success.
Remember, as an engineer or an any multidisciplinary art and science professional, you have a unique perspective and the ability to make a significant impact on sustainable design practices. Embrace your multidisciplinary background and continue pushing the boundaries of innovation in the built environment.
Any women seeking to join CBG Consultants in any Engineering role can expect personalized mentorship from Senior Engineers and a range of company activities and rewards. We actively encourage more women to apply by offering various benefits, and maintaining our IIP Silver status.
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#INWED2023 #makesafetyseen @INWED1919
Back to News & KnowledgeFigures as of June 2021 show that 16.5% of engineers are women. Whilst a massive increase from the 10.5% recorded in 2010, there is still room for improvement. As an IIP company, we are keen to diversify our workforce, and ensure more women are represented in engineering roles