1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Originally I wanted to be a police woman but I was too short.
2. Who or what inspired you to become a software engineer?
There was an initiative called “Women into Engineering”. A few of us teamed up with a local engineering firm and created an electronic project to enter a competition.
3. Tell us a little bit about your role. What does your typical day involve?
My job involves capturing requirement from the customer and turning that into work packages, which we then implement. I also have to talk to other suppliers so that the final product works.
4. What qualifications did you take at school/college?
I did A level Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
5. Did you go to university? Was a degree required for your role?
Electronics and Computer Control Engineering. I was the only one in my course to take a year out in industry who then sponsored me in my final year and offered me a job.
6. What gives you the most job satisfaction?
Working out how to do something in code I’ve never done before.
7. What’s the most unexpected thing about your job?
Getting to sit in Ford Mustang/Massive American cars testing our diagnostic software.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to a young person who is considering becoming an engineer, what would it be?
Don’t get discouraged by people saying it’s nerdy.
9. What do your friends/family think about your job?
They think what I do is very technical.
10. Do you have any hobbies that you like to do to relax?
I enjoy crocheting and photography.
11. Would you say that you had a good work/life balance?
Yes especially as I work 30 hours a week.
12. What excites you most about engineering?
It’s challenging and technology is changing so fast!
13. What should no engineer leave home without?
Smart phone!