Together we engineer by Claire Young

Collaboration as a tool

One of things I love best about being a structural engineer is the inherently collaborative nature of my job. Every day I discuss technical conundrums with my colleagues, present options to an Architect or work with a Client to realise the best version of their vision. Together we engineer. In theory I could do most of these tasks in a silo by myself, but where would be the fun in that? I know I wouldn't get solutions or designs nearly as inventive, robust or elegant.

The more types of people I get to collaborate with, the more I grow as an engineer and that includes getting to work with other women in STEM...

Role models

It may sound like a tired, worn out phrase, but representation really does matter. Seeing women succeeding and excelling in their roles (particularly more senior ones) is precisely so inspiring because there are so few examples.

I am so intensely grateful to other women who have written articles like these, mentored me personally or presented at events, because it allows me to see them. I can remember being in design team meetings sat at a table with 12 men, and no other women. I count myself lucky that those were mostly positive experiences, but can any of my male colleagues say that they've experienced the same in reverse?

The joy we all experience when we feel represented and included is not to be underestimated. We feel more empowered to speak up on issues we care about and open discussion can happen more freely. This is when we come up with our best ideas! This is when we thrive as human beings, let alone engineers!

Empower the individual to empower the team

The world works best when we are all enabled to work to our strengths.

Personally, I thrive when I feel like I am making a positive impact on the world around me and seize every opportunity to do just that. Be it on the human scale through mentoring or being a representative face or voice for young women in STEM; Or on a more global scale, looking at how our industry is impacting this beautiful planet we call home and how we can use our skills, ingenuity and compassion to make a change.

I have seen first hand how imposing societal expectations, gendered or otherwise, has harmed an individual's ability to work effectively in a team. Don't force the shy introvert to be head of BD and networking, especially when their passion lies in parametric design.

Similarly, the talents of a graduate with a knack for engaging conversation could be wasted if consigned to creating excel spreadsheets all day, instead of building lasting client relationships.

Closing thoughts

I'd like to finish this piece with a team check-in. We all have blind spots, and sometimes the easiest way to identify them is by asking those who challenge us the most. Who in your team sees the world very differently to you, and do you have enough like them? Do you always feel like you're fighting for your voice to be heard, or is there someone in your corner?

If either of these elements are missing, maybe seek mentorship from outside your team. If you're in a position with influence over hiring, then keep these things in mind. Ask yourself, does that new candidate fit in nicely with the team because they're the same as everyone else, or will they bring fresh ideas and perspectives?