1. How did you first get interested in a career in engineering?
When applying to colleges, I was exploring both engineering and liberal arts schools. One of the engineering schools sent me on a co-op interview so that I could understand more about their co-op graduation model. When I walked into the co-op company’s manufacturing facility, I was excited to see the operations, automation, and collaboration of the workforce all working cohesively to deliver a product. At that point, I realized that I wanted to be an engineer.
2. Did you have a mentor/role model? How did they help you?
I have always had a lot of mentors both formal and informal. However, for me, having multiple mentors with different backgrounds has been beneficial. Having this “Board of Mentors” has helped me successfully navigate my career. Mentors will help you see things through different perspectives and can be a sounding board for complex decisions. Mentors will push you to grow, challenge you to take risks, and help you during challenging times.
3. As a woman, what are some of the unique challenges you have faced in this career field and how did you overcome them?
I think work-life balance is a challenge for everyone. There is no easy, one-size-fits-all formula to make it all work. You have to try different approaches, continually adjust, and remember not beat yourself up when work-life gets unbalanced. Over the years, I have found open, transparent communication with both my managers and family has worked well for me. I have also found scheduling personal events (e.g. a school play) on my work calendar helps me plan and visually balance my calendars. Finally, having a flexible mindset allows you to attend that volleyball meet knowing there may be a few late hours to catchup on the work. There are times when work has to take precedent, and I have had to miss some personal events. But that is part of the balancing equation.
4. What can companies do to attract more women engineers?
Affinity groups provide great opportunities for women engineers to network, build their “Board of Mentors” and develop sounding boards for discussion and ideation. ABB has launched their Women’s EnCompass program which is focused on creating environments to foster authentic relationships, connect, increase exposure to senior leadership, and support career development. I suggest our women engineers to get involved in these affinity groups, so they can connect with people of similar interests and backgrounds.
5. What advice would you give to girls and young women considering a career in engineering?
Don’t be afraid to try it! I would suggest you get involved in something like FIRST, SWENext, internships, Girls Who Code, or another engineering focused club/organization to see if you like it. There are a lot of opportunities to try out engineering in high school or college before you decide to commit. Once you try it, I am sure you will love it 😊
