On this International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in engineering, acknowledging their pivotal contributions that inspire more women and young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
This year, we are privileged to spotlight the exceptional work of women engineers who are not only enhancing people’s everyday lives but also shaping a brighter future for communities worldwide.
Meet Devender Kaur, our Asset Management Engineer! She reflects on her journey and shares what inspired her during her career and why International Women in Engineering Day holds significance for her.
Career Aspirations
What motivated you to choose engineering as a career, and what are your goals and aspirations within the field?
“My fascination with innovative technology and its profound impacts led me to engineering. The curiosity about how things work coupled with a passion for problem-solving, has always driven me. My aspirations in engineering are to contribute to projects that stretch the boundaries of what’s achievable, particularly in the energy sector. I aim to leverage my skills in developing solutions that not only minimize carbon footprints but also maximize energy efficiency, thus making a significant impact on our environment.”
Current Work and Projects:
Can you describe a project or experience that has been particularly impactful for you and how it enhances people’s everyday lives?
“One particularly impactful project was with a key client on the ECS and PMCHG initiative. This project addressed crucial preventative maintenance needs concerning safety and other key factors. By implementing strategic equipment care, we significantly enhanced safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This experience, working with a remarkable team, underscored the importance of projects that push technological boundaries while making a positive difference in daily lives.”
Challenges and Learning:
What challenges have you encountered as a young female engineer, and how have you addressed them?
“As a young female engineer, I’ve faced several challenges, particularly in career advancement and work-life balance as an international student. Building confidence in my technical abilities, participating in events, and seeking mentorship from senior engineers have been crucial.
Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, I’ve prioritized continuous learning and skill development to stay competitive. My commitment remains firm in overcoming obstacles and positively contributing to the field through my work and leadership.”
Future Vision and Contributions:
How do you see your role evolving in the future to support lives and livelihoods?
“I envision my role evolving towards innovating sustainable technologies that address global challenges, such as renewable energy solutions and enhanced water and waste management systems. Pursuing a Professional Doctorate Degree is part of this vision. As my career progresses, I aim to uphold safety, fairness, and sustainability in all my projects. Through continuous learning and innovation, I strive to make meaningful contributions that enhance lives and livelihoods worldwide.”
INWED and Community:
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
“International Women in Engineering Day is a reminder of the journey that led me to this rewarding career. This day is about recognizing achievements and encouraging more women to join this dynamic field while making impactful contributions to society. For me, it’s about fostering a supportive environment where everyone can utilize their skills to solve global challenges, uplift one another, and break down existing barriers in our field.”
