To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day we're sharing individual stories of women engineers from across UKCRIC member institutions.
Tell us about your role and what you find most exciting about it.
I am a PhD student in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Birmingham. Prior to my PhD journey, I was a Project Manager in infrastructure project delivery in the UK’s water industry. My research investigates the challenges in, and opportunities for, sustainable water infrastructure planning in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a view to developing a robust methodology for strategic water infrastructure planning on the continent. As a postgraduate researcher, I enjoy contributing to solving some of the most difficult problems threatening our existence. Growing up in Sierra Leone, I experienced first-hand the effects of inadequate water infrastructure. Therefore, leading efforts to address this perennial problem, is exciting, fulfilling, and a dream come true.
What inspired you to become an engineer/work in the engineering sector?
I always excelled in mathematics and the sciences. And from an early age, I knew I wanted to study something technical – one that involved applying theories to solve real-life problems. When my oldest brother was studying engineering at university, I was curious by the fact that almost all his classmates were men, there were hardly any women studying Engineering at the time. I decided therefore I was going to be one of the few girls in my country who will study Engineering.
How do you balance your professional and personal lives?
As a mother and a professional, balancing my professional and personal lives is very challenging sometimes. I have two kids and one on the way, and no amount of planning and scheduling is enough to create a perfect balance. There are times when more is required of you professionally and there are other times when your family really needs you, and that’s okay. The most important thing is learning not to wallow in guilt and using all the help you can get from family and friends. I am grateful for the flexibility which my current role provides. I can do my research from home whilst making some time for school pickups and other family activities. In addition, my husband and I have a strong partnership and we both actively share responsibilities in taking care of our young family.
In your opinion is there more that can be done to encourage a greater diversity of people into engineering careers?
I believe a lot more can be done, especially in developing countries. I had never heard or met a female engineer when I decided to be one. I think children in emerging economies deserve to have mentors and role models in STEM with stories like theirs. For example, children should be introduced to various career options at an early age and mentorship opportunities could be made available by paring them with professionals already in these disciplines. Also, career advice and guidance units could be introduced at schools in developing countries and teachers could help destigmatise some of the perceptions to studying Engineering like perceived difficulty or gender bias. Schools should also be equipped with labs and resources to spark the interest of children and to facilitate the visualisation of technical theories and their practical applications.
What advice would you give for anyone interested in pursuing an engineering career?
For anyone considering a career in engineering, I would say go for it – be inquisitive and hardworking. Engineering is not just about mastering the requisite technical skills; it is about applying those skills to solve complex problems. Therefore, I would say work hard, do your best to understand theories which are the bedrock of the profession but also always be open to learning, unlearning and relearning.
Henrietta George-Williams is a PhD Student in Civil Engineering at the University of Birmingham.