Celebrating International Women in Engineering day

INWED is a chance to recognise how far the industry has come in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion, but also a reminder of how much work still needs to be done, especially in parts of the industry where progress has been slower.

We need to keep making women in STEM, especially in leadership, visible. Seeing others in those roles helps challenge assumptions, build confidence, and show that there’s space for women to thrive and lead in engineering.

— Cailtin Simon - Transport Engineer, Civil Engineering

I used to work as a housing officer for a Housing Association, and I found myself becoming more interested in the building construction and projects side of the company than the tenancy side. I spoke with internal surveyors and eventually decided to do a masters in Building Surveying and that is when the journey began.

Passing my RICS APC and becoming a chartered surveyor was the most challenging but defining experience for me. I did not give up even at times when it felt a difficult process. It opened up many doors and opportunities for me and is a great achievement for me

— Zoe Carter-Nisbett - Associate Director - Building Surveying

One of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new country and fitting into a male-dominated environment, all while proving myself. Fortunately, I was lucky to have a fantastic team around me who supported me through all the highs and lows.

STEM career fairs are a fantastic way to reach more girls and show them that a career in engineering can be both exciting and enjoyable. I also talk about my work with my daughter, who’s already shown a strong interest in building and fixing things

— Natalia Neilson - Senior Civil Engineer

My passion for problem-solving and creating practical solutions inspired me to pursue a career in engineering. From a young age, I was fascinated by how infrastructure is built to serve communities. This led me to study civil engineering, where I developed a strong interest in water and highway projects. I joined Pick Everard in September 2024, drawn by their reputation for innovation and their diverse range of projects, offering an excellent platform for professional growth and hands-on experience.

To make engineering more accessible for women, we need to challenge the idea that it’s a “male-only” field. Encouraging young girls to study STEM subjects and offering mentoring can help inspire them to pursue engineering. Volunteering sessions in schools and colleges can also guide female students toward this career

— Afoza Akter - Graduate Civil Engineer