Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background, including your role now and what a typical day looks like?

My background as a chemical and process engineer has allowed me to work on complex challenges – designing processes, improving efficiency, and ensuring safe, reliable operations.

For 13 years, I worked as a Senior Process Engineer at BOC, where I developed deep technical expertise and contributed to large-scale industrial projects. More recently, I transitioned into a commercial role to broaden my perspective – gaining insight into how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and how engineering connects with finance, strategy, and customer needs.

Engineering is a highly rewarding career that combines science, creativity, and real-world impact. It offers the opportunity to solve meaningful problems, work across industries, and continuously grow. My journey shows that an engineering degree can open doors not only to technical roles but also to leadership and business opportunities.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I was always fascinated by Chemistry and enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of Mathematics, but I wasn’t initially sure what career path would allow me to combine both interests. To explore my options, I attended several university open days and learned about different disciplines, including biochemical engineering and forensic science. While these fields were interesting, neither felt like the right fit for me after speaking with professionals working in those areas.

In some ways, choosing Chemical Engineering was not the result of a long-term plan, but rather a decision made through exploration and keeping an open mind. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I could have made. Chemical Engineering provided the perfect balance of science, mathematics, innovation, and real-world application. It has given me the opportunity to work across diverse industries, solve challenging problems, and build a rewarding and varied career.

One of the key lessons from my experience is that you do not need to have your entire future mapped out from the start. By exploring different opportunities and being willing to step outside your comfort zone, you can discover a career that is both fulfilling and full of possibilities.

What achievement in your engineering career are you most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements was progressing to the role of Senior Process Engineer at BOC also part of Linde, one of the world’s leading industrial gases companies.

Reaching that position gave me a real sense of accomplishment, as it reflected years of learning, problem-solving, and professional growth.

I am also particularly proud of achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status, a recognised mark of engineering competence and professionalism.

It was rewarding to have my knowledge, experience, and commitment to the profession formally recognised, and it reinforced the value of continuous development throughout an engineering career.

Have you faced any challenges in your career journey so far, and how have you overcome them?

Every career journey comes with challenges and overcoming them is often what helps us grow the most. One lesson I have learned is the importance of gaining experience as early as possible, even before graduating. Practical experience not only develops your skills and confidence but can also create opportunities that you may never have considered.

Early in my career, I accepted a role that involved a significant daily commute of around three hours. It was demanding, and there were many days when I arrived home feeling exhausted. However, the experience I gained and the opportunities that followed made the sacrifice worthwhile. Looking back, it was an important stepping stone in my professional development.

Another challenge was balancing career ambitions with family life. I started my family relatively early in my career, which meant some of the opportunities that involved extensive travel or relocation were more difficult to pursue. While I had the chance to travel internationally through my work, including trips to the United States and Germany, there were occasions when I wished I had more flexibility to explore opportunities further afield.

These experiences taught me that being open to new opportunities can significantly broaden your career options. A career in engineering can take you in many different directions, and even the challenges you face along the way can become valuable experiences that help shape your future success.

What advice would you give to girls and young women considering a career in engineering?

My advice to young girls considering a career in engineering is to be proactive and curious. Seek out new opportunities, even if they do not perfectly match your initial idea of what an engineering career should look like.

Some of the most valuable experiences and career-defining moments come from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing challenges. Make the effort to gain practical experience early, whether through work placements, internships, projects, or extracurricular activities. These experiences will help you develop confidence, build your skills, and stand out from the crowd.

Engineering offers exciting opportunities to make a real impact on the world, and there has never been a better time for young women to pursue a career in this field.

Believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and have the confidence to reach for opportunities – you may be surprised by where they can take you.

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