Structural Engineer, Founder of Building Stories Podcast, Management Today 35 Women Under 35
Do you have any advice for young girls who want to pursue a career in structural engineering?
Even though only 17% of structural engineers are women, do not let this discourage you. See this as a challenge; one that you can easily triumph over. Structural engineering is such a fun job because it allows you to not only be analytical but also creative. You get to design everything from bridges to buildings, so I strongly encourage all young girls to consider pursuing structural engineering!
Why did you start your podcast, Building Stories?
I started Building Stories because I wanted people to know more about the fascinating hidden stories behind every structure. In my podcast, I interview many engineering experts and take listeners on a journey through their projects -- from the materials they used to the final design. Check it out here: www.buildingstoriespodcast.com/
What does a normal day working as a structural engineer look like for you?
Right now, I am on maternity leave, but there really is no “normal day” for me. Some days I review structural shop drawings for projects; other days I build and refine structural models. But I also spend a lot of time computing the calculations needed to come up with these structures.
What was the most challenging engineering project you've worked on, and how did you overcome the difficulties it presented?
The most challenging project that I worked on was The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe, which I spent six years on. I was able to overcome many of the difficulties I encountered with the help of my wonderful, supportive team. We would always brainstorm solutions together and divide up the work, so no one would feel overwhelmed. I would persevere through every challenge The Shard presented to me, knowing the fact that my hard-work would pay off in the end. And it did -- I was incredibly honored to be the only woman featured in Channel 4's documentary on the Shard.