International Women in Engineering Day - Interview with Camille

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day on 23rd June 2018, we interviewed Camille, one of our Design Engineers. A Leeds University graduate, Camille joined us 10 months ago. Here she talks about her inspirations and gives advice for any other women considering an Engineering career.

Who has inspired you to get you to where you are in your career?

When I studied Product Design at Leeds University, I had a lecturer called Lisa-Dionne Morris. I related with her as she always seemed happy and ambitious in her work. She also got to know her students on a personal level and used what she knew about us to push us in the right direction, making us find our right path. It was the way she used her relationships in a positive way that I really admired.

What is the key to success in engineering?

I would say that honesty and thoroughness are so important, as well as the ability to make good relationships with your team and clients. That fosters a trusting environment, giving everyone a great support network and a solutions focussed approach.

What barriers have you faced, as a woman, in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?

Some people can have a stereotype in her head about women and this is hard to get them to shrug, but who can argue if you know what you are talking about.

Who is a woman that inspires you the most and why?

My mum juggled a lot and had some rough times. Despite this, I never saw her be anything but determined and kind.

What is it like to be a woman engineer today?

I think people today don’t see barriers as much as before. People don’t see gender as a reason why they shouldn’t do something. If anything, if someone says to me “you’re a girl, you can’t do that”, it makes me more determined to succeed. In the past, this has got me jumping off some pretty high things, despite my fear of heights!

Based on your own experience, what advice would you give to women considering pursuing a career in engineering?

Go for it! Don’t be intimated or scared. Be yourself, do your best & make some good friendships as you go. Nothing is ever as hard as you initially imagine it to be. Most people you will meet are helpful and give you great advice along the way.