In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) we recognise the outstanding contributions that women make to our business, often leading the way in their fields.

Siemens appreciates that whilst no two voices are the same, a diverse group of colleagues can have such a positive impact. Therefore, it is important for young women to understand that they can thrive in technical roles. Hear from four of our leading women in engineering and technology; Faye, Faye, Sarah and Joan as they share how they navigate a majority male workplace, their proudest achievements and key pieces advice for women to succeed in the industry.

While all four women hold senior roles at Siemens, their career path and the way they entered technical fields varies greatly. Faye Banks and Faye Bowser initially began their careers as apprentices enticed by the opportunity to attend college whilst also gaining factory-based experience. Sarah was inspired by Formula 1 and decided to study engineering at university, whilst Joan did not enter the tech industry until later in her career having previously worked in retail and professional services.

I was a total F1 addict… I’d watch every race and attend the British Grand Prix pretty much every year. If I had to pinpoint where my love of engineering stemmed from, it would be F1.
Sarah Black-Smith, General Manager, Motion Control

As women, how can you navigate a majority male workplace?

Despite all being successful within their respective roles’, all women experienced challenges of working in a male dominated environment. However, there is no one-way to navigate your career in a majority male workplace. Faye Banks looked to her colleagues, joining internal working groups and sought mentors to guide her development. Joan on the other hand, always felt comfortable due to confidence to express herself instilled in her by a schoolteacher. Whilst Faye Bowser recognises that there are now more females in different roles, initially, she made effort to “fit in” with her male peers, before recognising that she is unique and the value that her insights bring.

Would I say it I ever felt uncomfortable? In truth no. I think it’s because I had this amazing teacher at school, and he always told me, Joan, you can say whatever you like as long as you can back it up… so I have always been encouraged to express my thoughts, and I’ve never felt that I shouldn’t?
Joan Mulvihill, Digitalisation Lead

What moments from your careers have really made you proud?

Hearing some of our leading female technical employees talk of their experiences with such pride, can only help to inspire future generations of young women to pursue such careers. Faye Bowser gained such satisfaction from being part of a team efforts signing the contract for developing the worlds smartest smart campus at the University of Birmingham, significantly reducing their carbon emissions. Sarah was so proud of the efforts of the team at Congleton participating in the ventilator challenge during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Faye Banks’ highlighted how proud she was to be chosen from an acclaimed group of young women as the UK Young Women Engineer of the Year 2004. She also proclaimed her shock at becoming a visiting professor for the Royal Academy of Engineering something she never believed would be possible. For Joan, her proudest moment was when she became CEO of the Irish Internet Association having never worked in tech before, going on to win Professional Businesswomen of the Year just one year later.

Becoming a visiting professor at the Royal Academy of Engineering, it’s something that I never, ever thought, you know, that I’d even get the opportunity.
Faye Banks, Head of Customer Services and Field Services, Grid Software

What is important for young female engineers to know?

It is so important that women feel confident that they can follow their passions into a career in engineering or tech, a sentiment that was echoed throughout the discussions. However, sometimes that confidence can take time to develop and that is why it is crucial to constantly learn and keep your options open. One thing that became apparent hearing such inspirational stories is that everyone’s journey is unique, and the greatest strength is to embrace your diversity and have faith in yourself.

My piece of advice would be to stop trying to figure out what people want me to say and trust in myself on what I want to say… what makes you different makes you unique, so bring confidence from that.
Faye Bowser, Head of Energy Production Solutions

We look forward to the future as we work to attract more women to an inclusive workplace, both early careers and professionals, promoting development and self-confidence enabling us to appreciate the benefits of a diverse range of voices.

We have a continued commitment to hold Women in Engineering early careers events with the aim of inspiring young female engineering students with many of the attendees’ offered roles within the company. Our next event is due in October, follow our social media for more information.