I started out by studying architecture and engineering at Nottingham university (which is one of the only unis in the country offering a combined course). I soon realised that architecture wasn’t for me, and I pursued engineering instead. I believe studying architecture has made me a better engineer, I have a massive appreciation for what they do, and I work with them rather than against them (which is often the case with your ‘typical engineer’). I have recently had a baby so now I’m juggling childcare and a career. Fortunately, covid has worked in my favour and working from home is the norm so now I don’t have to worry about commuting and I can spend those precious few hours with him that I would have never had if I was still commuting to work.

I’m creative and I love maths, so engineering felt like the perfect balance between them both. I get to do some calculations and them draw what I’ve worked out, what could be more fun than that?

I like to volunteer in my spare time. I have worked in a homework club for refugee children, mentored a boy who was a t risk of joining a gang and now I mentor a girl in a school close to our office and help her with choosing a career, cv writing etc. I come from a very big Indian family (I have 14 first cousins). Dealing with the unfortunate prejudices we have towards women in our culture has made me who I am today and maybe I pursued a career in engineering to prove a point.

I’m thoughtful and caring, so if I ever see someone struggling at work I always offer to help. I’m creative, so anything I present always looks good (if I do say so myself). I like to think I can explain complicated things in an easy-to-understand manner. I like to prove people wrong, so I’ll put in the extra time to make sure that no man can ever tell me that ‘I won’t get it’ or ‘women don’t know how to do x’.

The stares you get on site from the contractors always make me feel uncomfortable. The prejudices of men of a certain age not being used to working with women and saying weird things like ‘you don’t look like an engineer’. Feeling like you must be more masculine to fit in, e.g., watching football and going for a beer. Feeling like I have to go the extra mile to prove my commitment to the job now that I’m a mum, but then feeling guilty that I’m pursuing a career and paying someone else to look after my son. Being an Asian woman in a male dominated, mainly white industry also has its own challenges.

Do it for all those times a man whistled at you from a building site and made you feel uncomfortable.