Trendsetters: Meet Lucy Ashen
Meet Lucy, a Graduate Civil Engineer at Stantec!
We chatted to Lucy, 22, to find out how she became a graduate within the engineering industry and discovered what her ambitions are for the future.
What does Stantec do?
Stantec is an engineering and environmental consultancy working on water, energy, infrastructure and building projects. Stantec provides consultancy work for many companies including Yorkshire Water and lots of other companies.
What does your job involve?
On a day-to-day basis, I talk to clients about the projects I am working on and I am involved in technical work, such as designing sewers and other infrastructures.
How did you achieve your graduate role with Stantec?
I completed a summer placement that was advertised during my Urban Drainage module at university, then I was offered a graduate role. I needed A Level Maths to get onto my university degree. I studied a broad range of subjects, such as GCSE Art and A Level Geography and Further Maths, which I think helped me. The job application process for Stantec involved discussing issues with surface water management and writing an assignment on how to encourage people to get into engineering, such as outreach and getting into schools at a young age.
Have you always had an interest in engineering?
I have always been interested in architecture, and then I developed a passion for civil and structural engineering. Once I started university, I also enjoyed learning about the built environment, geography and the water industry!
What are your ambitions for the future?
I am currently working towards being a Chartered Engineer, which takes between four to eight years.
People often have a narrow perception of what engineering is, how would you describe engineering?
I would describe engineering as creative problem solving, in a cost-effective manner.
What sort of skills does it take to become an engineer?
You have to be a good communicator – a lot of people don’t realise that! You need to communicate your ideas with others and have strong analytical and mathematical skills.
How important do you think it is that we encourage more young women into engineering? What would you say to them?
I think there still needs to be more women encouraged to go down this career route, as there’s a gender imbalance.
I would tell women to put themselves out there! Get involved in schemes at your school and college; don’t be put off by thinking there’s no women in engineering. If everyone thought like that then there wouldn’t be any women in engineering!