In your experience, what are the benefits of working in or studying engineering?
Emma, Mechanical Engineering student and Crew Member at Phoenix Racing: "The main benefit of studying engineering is to achieve a good knowledge background to have a better future in this field. Also to develop skills such as problem solving, analytical thinking, time management."
Kezia, Motorsport Engineering student and Fuel Systems Engineer & Head of Costing at Phoenix Racing: "Working with something from concept to manufacture, planning the project and seeing the final product."
Maria, MSc Engineering student and Aerodynamics and Statics Departments Member at Oxford Brookes Racing: "You are constantly learning new things."
Meghann, Beng Motorsport Engineering student and Statics Lead members at Oxford Brookes Racing: "You learn to apply your knowledge to not only your field of interest, but see how engineering impacts everything in day to day life."
Why did you choose to become an engineer?
Emma: "Because it's my passion"
Kezia: "I enjoyed maths, physics and racing so they all went hand in hand."
Maria: "Because I love motorsport and aerodynamics"
Meghann: "To learn how to apply knowledge to everyday projects that can help everyone "
In ten words or fewer, why do you love engineering?
Emma: "I love solving problem, dealing with engines, cars and fixing broken objects."
Kezia: "It is challenging but worth it"
Maria: "Because I am constantly learning new things and solving problems."
Meghann: "It's really fun!"
What could schools do to get girls interested in STEM from a young age?
Emma: "Organise conferences, games, make females know what engineering is."
Kezia: "Encourage. Emphasising the segregation of genders in STEM subjects just underlines it and discourages young and impressionable girls."
Maria: "Try not to relate that engineering is a man's world."
Meghann: "Have days dedicated to STEM at school, regularly. Have challenges and things for them to make and build, to promote how cool engineering is. Keep mixed groups of boys and girls, to avoid separation and showing that engineering should be a mix, and isn't just a boy's field."
How can the UK engineering industry become more open for females?
Emma: "Discriminating less and trusting females' work more."
Maria: "Giving us more opportunities in terms of getting a job and don't thinking that we are weaker."
Meghann: "Advertise to girls from a younger age, such as primary school, teaching them how cool engineering is! It would be good to also show them women who have made it in the field, to show that it's definitely not just a man's world! "
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to a woman thinking of starting a career in engineering?
Emma: "Don't listen to other people opinions, don't fell into stereotypes and follow your passions."
Kezia: "Being a female in engineering is often hyped up to be much more difficult than it actually is."
Maria: "It is going to be difficult, and sometimes you could feel 'alone' in this man's world. However, it worth to start a career in engineering and to learn new things everyday "
Meghann: "You can do anything, no matter who or what tells you that you can't."
This year’s topic for International Women in Engineering Day is “Raising the Bar” – what does this mean to you?
Emma: "Settle higher standards for females in the engineering environment: safety, knowledge, availability, employability"
Kezia: "To keep on trying despite any challenges."
Maria: "That females have more difficulties to become engineers and they need to demonstrate and work/fight more than males."
Meghann: "Raising the bar for you, challenging yourself and not judging yourself on other peoples standards."
As a woman working in engineering, do you have any role models that you look up to – both inside and outside your field?
Kezia: "No, the gender doesn't define the accomplishments."
Maria: "Ruth Buscombe. She is doing a great job as engineer in Formula 1 and I will like to be like her."
Meghann: "Lucy Killington, Clare Williams and Giovanna Fletcher; for all smashing it in the fields they work in."
This year’s topic for International Women in Engineering Day is “Raising the Bar” – what does this mean to you?
All: "To get rid of unhelpful stereotypes!"
What are your future career plans after Formula Student?
Emma: "I will keep studying and spot an opportunity!"
Kezia: "Join a well known OEM in a graduate engineer role."
Maria: "I'm currently trying to find a job in motorsport."
Meghann: "I would like to work in Formula 1, or as a programme manager in engineering companies. I'd like to give back to FS too, volunteering at competitions."
Formula Student would like to thank all participants for their answers and we wish their teams the best at the competition in July. Special thanks go to Bosch UK for their continued support and for facilitating the interviews.
To learn more about the day, please visit the International Women in Engineering Day website, organised by the Women's Engineering society.