Communication is Key
There is no such thing as over-communicating or being too organized. Communication not only keeps your team updated on your progress, but it also demonstrates your thought process and the speed at which you can effectively do your job. I’m sure this can apply to many career paths; however, we must acknowledge that not all engineers are bubbly and personable. You might need to adjust your work ethic or communication method depending on who is on your team.
Telephone ~ Beyoncé, Lady Gaga
Don’t Change Who You Are
Yes, you are entering a male-dominated field (no one will notice if you wear two different shoes to work — true story). Understand that you might have a different perspective from others in the room, and use that to your advantage and speak up. There will be occasions where you are the only female in the room — own It. You earned your seat at that table.
Love Myself ~ Hailee Steinfeld
Be Engaged With All Employees
You can learn from everyone. While you might work closely with your manager, it does not mean you cannot talk to the marketing department on the other side of the office. Who knows, they might have worked for the company for 25 years and have institutional knowledge you cannot get from anyone else. Secondarily, talking to other departments and building the mosaic of how the company works and logically flows allows you to better understand where you lie in the value chain, which could provide insight into how to do your job more effectively. No one is beneath you, so speak to everyone with respect. You never know when you might need their help on a project.
Admit When You Don’t Know Something
When someone is explaining, listen like your life depends on it, take notes, and learn for the future. No one is expecting young women engineers to have all the answers. There is so much that cannot be taught in a classroom that only comes from years of experience and projects.
I Don’t Know Anything ~ Sara Bareilles
Seek Out Mentors
They do not have to be a women — just someone you respect and admire their work ethic. Find someone you relate to and find easy to talk to. Then, when the time comes, be open to mentoring others.
Take a Look Ahead
Think about what you want your everyday job to look like. Do you enjoy attending meetings and talking on the phone? Great! Maybe you want to be a project manager. Do you like detailed calculations and design? Maybe a technical position is more suited for you. Engineering offers so many pathways for women. Figure out what you like, start moving in that direction, and get as much experience as you can. There is no right or wrong answer.
What a Girl Wants ~ Christina Aguilera
Work Your Ass Off…
…and be reliable. Once I was out of school, I found work to be easier than college. There was no homework, tests, or labs, I could put in the effort during the workday, and then I was done for the evening. Of course, as time passes and we get more responsibility, this becomes harder, but it has also given me an excellent foundation for my career. Be a reliable employee who always gets their work done on time and be consistent in the work you are completing, and you will be noticed and earn a good reputation.
She Works Hard for the Money ~ Donna Summer
Continue to Learn…
…on your terms. Engineering and technology are constantly evolving. There is always something new in the industry. Find what you like and learn more about it — this isn’t school, and no one is forcing you to learn something you don’t want to. Embrace what you like, and it could lead you down a path you didn’t even think was possible.
About the Author:
Megan Todaro, EIT, is a project engineer at Pennoni in the municipal division with nearly 10 years of experience. She works with municipalities on various projects ranging from large-scale capital projects to subdivision and land development plan reviews. She also has experience with grant applications, stormwater management, construction management and surveillance, data collection, analysis, permitting, and intelligent pavement management programs.
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you might share about which songs motivate you as women in engineering.
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