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 Lauren Tedman, our Graduate Process 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?
“It was during my high school years that I developed an interest in science and decided that I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. Ultimately, it was the potential to make a positive impact on people and the planet that motivated me to pursue engineering. It’s an exciting and challenging time to be in this field, especially with the pivotal role engineers play in the energy transition. My goal is to create innovative and sustainable solutions that will enhance lives and livelihoods both now and in the future.”
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?
“In my first semester at university, I participated in the 2019 Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Challenge with WaterAid. Our team worked on designing a sustainable greywater treatment and distribution system for rural communities in Timor-Leste. Although our design wasn’t implemented, the experience was profoundly impactful. It showed me firsthand how engineers can truly make a positive difference to people and the planet.”
Challenges and Learning:
What challenges have you encountered as a young female engineer, and how have you addressed them?
“Being a young female engineer in a male-dominated field, I do experience imposter syndrome at times. To overcome this, I remind myself of the hard work and dedication that brought me to this point. It’s also easy to feel discouraged when comparing my technical knowledge to that of more experienced engineers. However, I focus on viewing this phase of my career as a crucial learning period.”
Future Vision and Contributions:
How do you see your role evolving in the future to support lives and livelihoods?
“Engineering offers diverse and incredible opportunities, making it difficult to predict exactly how my career will evolve over time. Currently, I am focused on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become a registered professional engineer. I aim to contribute to building a brighter and more sustainable future.”
INWED and Community:
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
“This day provides an opportunity to raise the profiles of inspiring women in engineering, sharing and celebrating their contributions to the field. It makes me proud to be among them and motivates me to encourage other young women to consider engineering as a career path.”
