Female engineers highlight pathways to professional development
FEMALE engineers have said despite existing biases against women, opportunities still abound for them to excel in engineering fields, if they work hard and imbibe relevant skills.
Immediate past Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers ( NIMECHE), Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, stated this at a forum organised by Association of Professional Women Engineers ( APWEN) Southwest zone, entitled: “The Chronicle Board: Our Success, Our Story” held virtually.
Akingbagbohun said the talent shortage; unemployment and general low enrolment into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ( STEM) field, as well as emerging engineering careers have offered opportunities for women in the profession.
She noted that pathways to professional development for female engineers include community services and volunteering that provides the chance to improve skills, such as communication and organisational skills, teamwork, planning, problem- solving and task management. She added that it helps to discover passion and hobbies, meeting new people and deriving fulfilment in service to humanity, as well as open opportunities in ways unexpected.
She urged women to keep learning and network with like minded professionals, as well as and take care of their homes/ families. “Take care of your health; maintain work- life balance. Trust, forgive and learn from mistakes. Also, your reputation as a professional will always precede you,” she warned. According to her, being an engineer means you are paid to create, innovate every day, adding that during careers, engineers have to tackle various projects regardless of their area of expertise or education.
Akingbagbohun said the work done by engineers touches many aspects of modern life. From biochemical engineers, who develop pharmaceuticals to civil engineers who design our subways and high- rises, these are career paths with much potential for impact. Being a professional woman is challenging because women manage home, work and the community.
She further advised women to play their parts by showcasing their ability and make it unattractive for any organisation to ignore them. “Develop yourself, show your ability to deliver and let your works speak glowingly of you. When you step into your home, you are a woman; when you step into your community, you are a change maker; when you step into a workplace, be a professional,” she said.
The immediate past APWEN president, Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, explained that during professional development, challenges would abound but the ability to move forward makes one a professional female engineer. Eterigho charged the association to imbibe team spirit in all activities and value one another, as well as be the catalyst for the advancement of women in the engineering profession towards national and global technological development.