hey, hello, hi!
This weeks #WISW/#WomeninSTEMWednesday is from Melika who is a Civil Engineer!
Hi, I’m Melika (Mel for short) and I was born in Iran but grew up in the UK from 8 months old. Although quite early in my career, I have experienced Civil Engineering in 4 different countries: Dublin, Iran, UK and Uganda. I’m currently an Assistant Engineer for a construction company, specialising in manufacturing reinforced concrete products.
What does your job role involve and what’s your day-to-day life at work like?
A day in the office starts at 5.30am where I commute to work for a 7.30am start. Emails are checked and the Laing O’Rourke social media (Yammer) is briefly skimmed over to see for any new news. Following this, I will get on with the technical drawings I am working on and have meetings throughout the day to both check in with senior staff and ask technical questions.
I am currently working on part of Google’s new HQ at Kings Cross/St Pancras: A £1 Billion project. Specifically, the 3D Model and 2D Drawing of Google’s façade, the Spandrels. The day finishes at 5pm where I either exercise or spend time with loved ones in the evenings.
What pathway did you take to get into your job?
My career journey started at primary school, year 1, where I was attempting math calculations and after one extensive glare at an equation, something clicked… & Eureka! From then on, math was my favourite subject and guided my career pathway. I continued to enjoy school until I went to University at 18, for Civil Engineering. During the penultimate year of my degree, I completed a year-long internship year at AECOM where I took a secondment to Dublin, Ireland. After my studies, I found myself trying out a few different specialities before now working within reinforced concrete for commercial buildings.
What’s your favourite thing about your job and why?
Problem solving has always given me the feel-good factor and so producing work that all aligns, that moment where it all ‘clicks’ has to be my favourite part of the job. Not many feelings are better!
What do you find most challenging about your job and why?
As there is so much to learn within Engineering, I find having the courage to ask questions to be the most challenging part of the job.
Do you ever doubt your abilities while at work? And if so, how do you overcome these situations/feelings?
As someone with a growth mindset, I rarely doubt my abilities at work as I know I’m there to learn and improve. At moments where I do have a wobble and start to doubt my progress, I speak up, so I don’t worry in silence and this has always been very well received (exceeded expectations). The high level of support for my wellbeing is really encouraging and makes me look forward to a long-standing career in Engineering.
What were you interested in growing up and do you think extracurricular activities and hobbies play an important role in encouraging more girls into STEM?
Growing up, I had several hobbies from Dance and Drama to playing the Saxophone (like my idol at the time – Lisa Simpson). My interests influenced me to be my authentic self where I felt comfortable enough to study and work alongside a majority male group. I now believe sports I used to play such as rounders or netball have been opened to mixed games which again, encourages girls and boys to play alongside one another authentically – an essential for effective teamwork and collaboration.
While growing up, do you recall anyone that particularly motivated you to go into STEM?
No individual specifically motivation me to go into STEM, I chose Civil Engineering because at 8 years old, I fell in love with my Mother’s family home, just like that. The building was circular like the colosseum and my Civil Engineer grandad (photographed) built it for his family. Although I had visited the house many times whilst it was warm and full of vitality, when my grandmother passed, the property became derelict… there was however, SO much energy within the building walls. This moved something within me, and I made a promise to work with buildings and restore the property one day. It was sheer coincidence I followed my grandfather’s footsteps as he died in the Iranian Revolution, so I did not know him. The desire to form a career within STEM was however nurtured by a supportive family and particularly, my mother, who helped me believe in myself.
Have you ever felt your gender has influenced the opportunities you’ve been offered and/or experienced so far?
In our modern world, gender influences experience far less as opportunities are now open to both sexes. There is as much opportunity for women as there is men to be considered a ‘good engineer’ and to make the most of opportunities to be proactive in the community. So no, I do not feel my gender has either hindered or created my experiences thus far as it is more my attitude.
What do you think needs to happen to encourage more girls into STEM?
To get more females into STEM, I believe the change must come using a top down approach. For example, within Civil Engineering this change comes firstly from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), then industry, then University and finally schools. Being exposed to Engineering before choosing GCSE options. This change has already started through the ICE Annual Inspire Competition, that aims to promote our industry to school children aged 11-13. Allowing the image of Civil Engineering/Construction to be changed from solely men in muddy boots to the more diverse, inclusive, and modern picture.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a STEM career?
Go for it! The individuals I have met within STEM and particularly Civil Engineering have inspired me to not only perform better but get more involved in the community. There are so many opportunities to be discovered if you have the appetite!
Melika, it’s been a pleasure hearing all about your family and how they had an influence, albeit almost indirectly, into your career as a Civil Engineer.
I think I speak on behalf of the majority of women in STEM when I say that we could all take a leaf out of your ‘growth mindset’ book! What an amazing way of looking at things. Situations arise to help us learn and overcome and we shouldn’t relate them to doubts – easier said than done I know. But it does reiterate the importance of a strong support network who are there to help and reassure you when you need it.
Your point about mixed sports is so important, and despite being an avid sports fan myself, something I hadn’t given much thought to. By integrating girls and boys teams from a young age it provides a platform for collaboration between genders from the offset – allowing girls to feel more comfortable around boys and vice versa. Growing up I had no issue running around playing football with the boys and that confidence has probably followed me through my academic career meaning I don’t feel as intimidated when I’m in a male dominated industry.
Thank you again for taking part in Women in STEM Wednesday, it’s been a pleasure hearing about your work!
All my love, Meg x
Girls Who STEM 