Megan Bramwell, our Research Engineer, was asked why she chose a career in STEM for International Women's Day. Here's an excerpt taken from the article written with assistance from Hot Tin Roof PR, and posted on https://wearetechwomen.com/why-i-chose-a-career-in-stem-and-why-you-should-too/
Growing up, I was not actually sure what I wanted to be. It’s a difficult decision to make and even more so when you are so young.
However, I always knew that my career would, in some way, fall into the STEM category.
At school I loved the sciences. I liked seeing how things are applied to the world in Physics. And having dyslexia, I found that Maths was a subject that came easily to me.
When it came to crunch time – choosing what to study at Uni – I was caught between sports or engineering. It wasn’t until my Mum asked me which inspired me most that I realised that my passion lay squarely with engineering. Why? Because I wanted to be able to make a positive difference in the world.
Before I knew it, I was kickstarting a degree in Mechanical Engineering with Renewable Energy at The University of Edinburgh. I am set to graduate in 2021, and I am currently doing an Industrial Placement with H2Tec, a subsidiary of hydrogen tech firm Logan Energy, and which designs and manufactures specialised products for the hydrogen market.
I can honestly say that I love my job and I have no regrets in taking the career path that I have. There are so many different aspects of engineering in the job that I do, and I am learning new things all the time. Working with a clean energy firm is not only hugely rewarding, but I am able to see the role that engineering plays in helping to form a fully realised, finished product, which is inspiring.
There are challenges that come with being an engineer. I am a woman working in a male dominated industry, so it has been hard to get people to believe that I belong. But I work extremely hard both at University, and in my current role. The quality of my work and my work ethic speaks for itself. Not my gender.
If you are a woman reading this and you have a passion for STEM, but are unsure if you should take the plunge, then all I can say is to go for it. Don’t let stereotypes get in the way. If you can honestly say that your career inspires and interests you then you will have a lot more fun along the way!