Civil engineering - girls in STEM

[AlexaShutUp]

My 13yo dd has expressed an interest in a career in civil engineering. It's not an area I'd ever particularly thought she would go into, but thinking about it, I think she'd be a great fit - she is very good at maths and science, she really wants to make a difference to the world, is very creative and has fab communication skills. Obviously, it's just an idea at the moment, but I'd like to encourage her to find out more so that she can consider whether it's something she'd like to pursue.

We don't really know any civil engineers who she could talk to, so would be interested to hear about any experiences from those who work in the field - whether you enjoy it, what a typical day might involve, what challenges have you faced etc.

Also, does anyone know of any girls in STEM type initiatives where she could maybe find out some more?

She has always loved maths, but although she always did well in science, she never seemed that interested until recently so this has taken me by surprise - I always had the impression she would go down the arts/humanities route but am happy to support her in whatever she wants to do.

Any info/suggestions welcome!

She is in year 9 by the way, about to choose GCSE options. She has already decided to do triple science.

I know a few girls who did civil engineering when I was at uni. There are quite a few female-only activities out there aimed at trying to break the gender diversity issue for STEM subjects.

This list is a couple of years old but quite good (not all girls’ only events): www.wes.org.uk/content/engineering-summer-schools

The Engineering Development Trust also do girls’ residential courses (Insight into Engineering) and mixed courses (Headstart).

If you live near a university have a look at their public engagement activities.

I'm a physicist, so though I work with female software, hardware, production, field service, and human factors engineers, I don't know any civil engineers. We design and make medical devices for treating cancer, and it's an amazing thing to do.

In terms of information, the Smallpiece Trust do a fab range of residential courses

The company I work for (in this sort of field) often take in kids on work experience and during school holidays - could be worth dropping an email to a couple nearby and seeing what they are able to do to advise/offer a taster day perhaps?

Can't comment on the individual role personally as I only work with them, not as one. Is she looking at wanting to do site based work? I'd say she will need to be prepared to travel if so. Where in the country are you?

I'm a civil engineer, as is my DP

I'm putting my son to bed - I can answer any queries you have 🙂

Send an email to Institute of Civil Engineers or Women's Engineering Society

www.wes.org.uk/content/voices-project

Also - a higher apprenticeship is the way forward

I have a degree. I wish I'd done an apprenticeship instead

Whereabouts are you? Have quite a few contacts in civils as have worked in construction/utilities and renewables for past 15 years

My husband and I work in construction, albeit not engineering. It's still a male dominated industry, although I've always been treated with nothing but professionalism.

Although a bit volatile, construction has been a good industry for us with opportunity to work internationally (we've done 4 continents between us).

Scope out some work experience. One of the global multidisciplinary firms would be a good choice, that way you get to see civilised plus other areas you hadn't thought of.

I’m a civil engineer. I work for a Main contractor in London, building rail and infrastructure projects. I was a sponsored student, many large contractors offer sponsorship through university and work placements.

Consider looking in to the QUEST scholarship scheme that the ICE run, this links students with companies from day 1 of their degree, with sponsor money and paid placements provided.

It’s a great degree to have, many transferable skills if she decided not to continue in engineering after.

Typical day is hard to describe, very much depends on the type of project and whether you are a consultant (mainly office based design, structural, foundation design etc) or a contractor who manages work on site, planning, logistics, temporary works, health and safety, quality etc.

Work hours on site can be long, standard day is 7.30am to 6pm. ITs full on, hectic, challenging, but a great career. I can walk though major rail stations in London knowing I was a part of its creation.

I’ve now changed role and I work in the contract administration side of the industry. More office based and work with money and legal contracts rather than concrete!

Happy to answer any questions.