Published on Jun 21st 2024

Published by: Eoin on Jun 21st 2024

International Women in Engineering Day promotes the amazing work that women engineers across the globe are doing. To commemorate this special day, we had the privilege of interviewing a few of our outstanding female engineers. They shared their unique experiences and insights, offering inspiration and encouragement to the next generation of women in engineering.

1. What is your current role and how many years have you been with Designer Group?
I’m a Project Engineer and I have been working with Designer Group for the past 3 months. My role involves overseeing various aspects of projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

2. Can you describe your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
My journey into engineering started in my school years. From a young age, I was intrigued by the mechanics and technology behind everyday objects. This curiosity drove me to delve deeper into the field of engineering, where I could explore and solve complex problems, turning my passion into practical, innovative solutions.

3. What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in engineering, I have occasionally faced disregard and underestimation in a traditionally male-dominated field. I’ve tackled these challenges by focusing on improving my technical skills and asserting myself confidently.

4. How has Designer Group supported you in your career?
Designer Group has helped me in my career by providing regular training sessions. This training is crucial to help me become a chartered engineer. They’ve boosted my technical skills and knowledge, giving me the qualifications I need to advance as a project engineer here.

5. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?
For young women considering a career in engineering, my advice is to believe in yourself and don’t be intimidated by the industry. Pursue your passion for science and technology confidently. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and keep expanding your skills.

1. What is your current role and how many years have you been with Designer Group? 
I am currently developing the role as Project Engineer for the Biomass Mexican Projects and I have been part of Designer Group for two years.

2. Can you describe your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? 
From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked, which sparked my creativity and drove me to find ways to improve them. My passion for problem-solving and creating tangible solutions led me to pursue engineering. The encouragement from family and friends, along with visits to engineering exhibitions, solidified my decision.

3. What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you overcome them? 
Being one of the few women in my workplace has been challenging, as was dealing with occasional biases. I overcame these by building a support network of mentors and finding strength in a team of like-minded peers.

4. How has Designer Group supported you in your career? 
Designer Group has supported me with professional development opportunities, including ongoing training programs and entrusting me with challenging tasks across projects. They not only promote an inclusive culture and initiatives to support women in engineering but also welcomed me to Ireland. Mentorship and encouragement from colleagues and leadership have been crucial to my growth.

5. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering? 
Go for it with confidence and passion. Seek mentors, embrace challenges without hesitation. Believe in yourself and what you are capable of —your perspective is unique, valuable and needed in engineering.

1. What is your current role and how many years have you been with Designer Group? 
I am currently working as a Junior Mechanical Estimator at Designer Group, a role I have held since January 2023. In this capacity, I work with the estimating team on tasks essential for producing competitive and timely tenders. My responsibilities include registering Bills of Quantities and Construction Drawings, distributing drawings and documents to suppliers for quotations, and contacting subcontractors and suppliers to follow up on necessary information. I also have experience in reviewing BEP/EIR documents to determine model requirements and possess knowledge in Revit MEP model setup, Family creation, Navisworks, and BIM360 platform.

2. Can you describe your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? 
My journey in engineering began in Brazil, where I earned an Honours bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University Anhanguera Educacional of Jundiai. The challenge and creativity involved in solving complex problems and building structures that impact lives inspired me to pursue this field. After moving to Ireland, Designer Group was the company that gave me the first Irish opportunity, trusting that I would be a great fit for the company and would grow my career working with Mechanical and Electrical projects, which was not my field of studies. They helped me to develop a basic understanding of both Mechanical and Electrical. Today I can say that I am a well-rounded engineer, capable of working in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering.

3. What unique challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you overcome them? 
As a woman in engineering, I have faced challenges such as gender bias and the need to constantly prove my capabilities. However, I have overcome these obstacles through perseverance, continuous learning, and demonstrating my skills and dedication. Building a supportive network and seeking mentors have also been crucial in navigating these challenges.

4. How has Designer Group supported you in your career?
Designer Group has provided a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters growth and development. The opportunities to work on diverse projects, access to continuous learning resources, and the encouragement from my colleagues have been instrumental in my career advancement.

5. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering? 
To young women considering a career in engineering, I would say: believe in your abilities and pursue your passion with determination. Don’t be afraid to take on challenges and seek opportunities for growth. Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers and remember that your unique perspective is invaluable in this field. Stay curious, keep learning, and strive to make a positive impact through your work.