The women engineers leading the IET Coventry and Warwickshire Local Network

In an exclusive interview with Member News Online, we hear from the Chairs leading the IET Coventry and Warwickshire LN, dedicated to championing engineering and building a passionate and inspiring network of engineers.

For Paula, becoming an engineer was second nature

“I come from a family of engineers,” says Paula. “My father taught me, fundamentally, education and lifelong learning. This is my motivation – to always learn something new and challenge myself.

“This, coupled with the intrinsic belief that I can learn and do whatever I put my mind to, it’s thrilling.”

From the support of inspirational family figures to self-belief and dedication, there has been no limits to achieving great things in her career

 “I feel I have three separate careers paths that complement each other,” says Paula. “On one hand, I have my academic career and I am a scientist at heart, followed by my industrial corporate career, in parallel with my ongoing involvement with the European Commission on research and innovation and policy, and other institutions such as ISO/bsi.

“But I think my award from the Autocar Great British Women in the Car Industry 2019 describes it best:

‘Paula could be described as JLR's (Jaguar Land Rover) professor-in-residence based on her significant academic achievements, which include a PhD in electrical engineering, patents, publications, and her forward-looking research roles. Her current title is HR Digital Manager looking at ways to enhance the life of JLR workers by, for example, moving to automation to free staff from the strain of high-volume, repetitive tasks. She’s also published in September 2020 a report commissioned by European Commission for Autonomous and Connected Driving looking at the ethical, societal, data security and privacy aspects that she hopes will influence EU legislation. She’s also an ambassador for STEM subjects and an EU expert evaluator for research.’

“I look at my career as collection of Lego pieces; a tool set of skills and methods that I can apply and use to build my next steps to wherever my interests drive me. I am curiosity driven and get very passionate about what I am interested in.”

One of those things is the Coventry and Warwickshire LN – of which Paula has been appointed Chair for 2021

“I feel very privileged to take the role of Chair and be part of a group that established and kept this LN alive and thriving for so many years. We are one of the most active LN’s in the IET, not only in UK, but in the world.

“It’s fascinating to meet all of our LN members and hear all the various engineering stories and career paths, as well as being a part of a passionate network of engineers inspiring young people into engineering. It’s also a unique learning resource and I draw energy from seeing how fulfilling an engineering life can be.”

Along with an amazing opportunity to network and build professional relationships with people outside of your own industry, why else does Paula believe IET members should join their LN?

“Regardless of where we work, we are a network that supports each other. But also, the opportunity to expand your skillset and develop new skills – from organising events to speaking – is rich.

“We already have a full agenda for 2021 with monthly events and even events for 2022, when our VC plans to shake things up a bit once UK lockdown restrictions are lifted.

“I believe we are all united in the idea that engineering has the power to make the world a better place and that is our duty to pass on the baton. I trust that I will be able to be a great Chair, but my involvement does not begin or end with this position; I will continue to take an active role when my fellow Vice Chair and Junior Vice Chair take over – and beyond.”

With support from a past colleague, who was an IET member, whilst working on projects in Australia, Marcelle was inspired to become a member herself and embark on her own journey to Professional Registration

“It had always been one of my personal career goals to become a Chartered Engineer,” says Marcelle. “The Program Manager of the project I was working on whilst in Australia became the sponsor for my application; it was his support and guidance that led me to become a member.”

16 years of IET membership later, Marcelle is now a Chartered Engineer, achieved an MBA and is now working towards her DBA doctorate

“I’m studying a DBA at Warwick Business School with a view to becoming a Scholar Practitioner, taking my years of experience as an engineer and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

“My research project is looking at what is required for Midlands based manufacturing SME’s to transition towards a more circular business model as part of their Covid -19 recovery and growth strategy.”

Kicking off her engineering career as an Automotive Engineering & Design graduate, Marcelle joined Ford Motor Company

“My first role at Ford was in the Chassis Dyno Lab, where I got involved with the commissioning of the installation of a new chassis dyno. From there, I joined Body Engineering and was based in the Seating Lab, involved in seat comfort trials.

“Once I completed the graduate rotation program, I joined Body Engineering as a Component Engineer. I was responsible for door mirrors on the Fiesta.”

After an assignment overseas, Marcelle’s interest in working in other countries was sparked. From working in Belgium to Australia, Marcelle spent 10 years working abroad in a variety of roles before returning to the UK in 2013

“My career has been quite varied, including a spell at a paint can manufacturer and cheese factory,” says Marcelle. “It has also been international. This is the beauty of becoming an engineer. It can take you in so many interesting and varied directions all around the world.”

Returning to her automotive roots in the UK, Marcelle is an Independent Projects Engineer, having worked for Tata, Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Lear. Based in the Midlands, she joined the IET Coventry and Warwickshire LN in 2018

“Being a member of the LN has helped me expand my professional network and get involved in local events.

“You also get a voice in what the IET can offer its members. If you have idea that you want to see come into being, the best place to make that happen is by being a part of your LN; you can help shape the future of the IET.

“If you want to bring about change, you can’t do that from the outside looking in.”

On being appointed the LN Senior Vice-Chair for 2021 and Chair for 2022, Marcelle said

“I feel highly privileged and honoured. I first reached out to the LN with regards to becoming involved in STEM activities and since then have made several school visits and presentations. Following this I was invited to join the committee and have been an active member ever since.

“Although it’s difficult to make concrete plans this year for physical events due to the pandemic, we’re looking into options for outdoor activities for the network to get involved in. We’ll also be holding a celebration event on 23 June, which is also INWED, with IET President Professor Danielle George MBE CEng FIET at Savoy Place in recognition of the IET’s 150th anniversary.”

Interested in robotics from a young age, Agata was inspired by her family’s encouragement to pursue a career as an engineer

“My parents encouraged me to develop my various passions, so it’s not surprising I followed one of them.

“I think it’s vital to support children, let them follow their passions and motivate them to try new things. I am very passionate about promoting STEM and engineering at schools to inspire young people into these career paths.”

Starting her own professional journey as a graduate engineer in 2012, Agata has been involved in a variety of projects

“Over the past eight years, I’ve mostly been working to support aerospace manufacturing through introduction of automation.

“Since my first role, I’ve been working to develop my skills and knowledge ever since. I’m currently working towards achieving an MBA degree to develop my leadership and management skills. My next step within my career would be to lead large and high impact projects within the company I work for.”

After achieving her chartership and becoming a Chartered Engineer in 2020, Agata joined the IET Coventry and Warwickshire LN

“I am really excited about being LN Chair in 2023,” says Agata. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me to play a part in developing the network and have an impact on engineers in the area.

“2021 so far looks as though it’s still being challenged by the ongoing pandemic, but the LN is working hard to allow opportunities for lectures and events. I am looking forward to attending some of the already planned lectures from the comfort of my sofa! It has been good to see the network adapting to the new challenging circumstances.”

For Agata, finding her network has given her the opportunity to make an impact to her engineering community

“I’m deeply passionate about encouraging engineering careers and STEM; the network has organised these opportunities and encouraged these activities for me to get involved in.

“Being a part of the LN has not only allowed me to develop my skills and support the development of the events, but also see the impact the network has first-hand in our community.”