We need more women studying STEM

Hi, I’m Ffion and I work as an Operational Strategy Engineer at National Grid.

I love my job because every day is different and challenging, in a positive way, and I have a real sense of achievement when my opinion and experience matters in decision-making.

Part of my role is identifying potential risks on the gas transmission network – which is very complicated and serves millions of people – and finding the best options to reduce those risks.

I think studying engineering is a no-brainer really, as it opens so many doors to different career paths and opportunities; especially if you join a large company like this. My great-uncle, who’s now in his eighties, worked at National Grid too.
 

Women in engineering

When I did my Masters in Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, the course was made up of only 30% women – and that was the most of all the engineering disciplines. We need more women studying STEM subjects and becoming involved in engineering. If you’re a practical doer sort of person, then engineering is definitely worth thinking about as a future career.

If you’re a practical doer sort of person, then engineering is definitely worth thinking about as a future career.

Here diversity across culture and gender is fantastic, as well as career development – during the COVID-19 pandemic, while working from home, I’ve felt genuinely cared for and supported by my managers.
 

An exciting time for engineering

It’s an exciting time to work in engineering. Over the next five to 10 years we’re potentially going to see some of the biggest changes since we converted to natural gas from coal, as we introduce alternative energy like hydrogen to the operations network.

Eventually, I’d like to go into management and inspire people, especially other women, to reach their full potential.