As part of International Women in Engineering Day, Project Engineer Uchenna Onwuamaegbu takes some time out to speak with us about her career and shares advice for potential future female engineers. Uchenna’s role makes her responsible for the management of capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects.
What inspired you to work in this industry?
“I enjoyed Maths and Sciences in school. Having worked in the Recycling sector previously, I particularly enjoyed Project Management. My aptitude is best suited for relating with people, creative thinking, time management, responding to change, anticipating and managing risks, leadership and team working, all of which are vital for effective project management.“
What’s been your experience of working in engineering at M&I Materials?
“Brilliant! There hasn’t been a dull moment. M&I has a professional and welcoming culture. Everyone I have met has been willing to help or point me in the right direction. My role exposes me to many opportunities to build upon my work experience. I work with staff and contractors from a variety of disciplines where knowledge sharing is the norm. I look forward to more structured professional training to equip me with skills needed to add value to M&I Materials.
The role is very fast paced but we have a great team here with each individual bringing a variety of strengths – we brainstorm a lot! All this encourages me to continue to develop my career here.”
How does innovation come into play within your role?
“In a nutshell, my role as a Project Engineer brings innovation to life! Ideas can come from either the operations team or site services, or technical or top management or from me. It’s important to work with the initiator of any novel idea to ensure that it is feasible, tangible and that it adds value.”
What advice do you have for women interested in engineering? What kinds of practical experience should they have? What technical skills should they pick up?
“Practical experience – get an internship or apprenticeship. Practical work experiences really do consolidate theoretical learning. At the minimum, get involved and be switched on during practical lab sessions in schools, colleges and or universities.
Technical skills – concept of flow, pressure, temperature, current and voltage are the fundamentals which must be present. Computer literacy is vital too.”
As an Engineer, what is the best advice you have been given, and by whom?
“You should never stop self-learning either from online resources, workshops or through colleagues/mentors who are experts in their field. The industry is never stagnant and to remain relevant, an engineer must keep adding to her or (his) knowledge.”
What advice do you have for women interested in becoming an engineer?
At the end of the day, you can still take off the hard hat, hi-vis jacket and steel toe boots – so being an Engineer doesn’t need to take away from your femininity. Being a smart learner, hardworking, cordial, professional, and confident is all you need to make a successful career in engineering.
