Calfordseaden: Conversations in Engineering

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we spoke with two of our talented engineers, Becka Balch (Revit Technician) and Sonia Cheung (Associate Structural Engineer), about their career journeys, the skills needed to succeed in engineering, the people who have inspired them, and how they would like to see the industry evolve in the future.

Did you always know you wanted a career in engineering?

Becka: “No, I think as a teenager it wasn’t something you typically thought about as a girl. The careers pushed toward you were the typical ‘girl jobs’ such as hair, make-up, nurse, doctor, etc. I originally chose the admin path as I wanted the stable 9-5, Monday to Friday routine but eventually progressed into engineering.”

What does your role involve, and which skills matter most?

Sonia: “Obviously as an engineer you have to be quite technical, we do a lot of maths, computing, and work with models to build the structure of buildings using software. From time to time, you build other skills as well. In my role as an Associate at calfordseaden, part my job is to ensure consistent technical output across the team and to ensure that our junior colleagues feel supported in every aspect of their work.”

Have you had any role models throughout your career?

Becka: “Mainly my manager, Bob Terry. He’s been so supportive throughout the whole process, providing me with insights, help, and useful tips throughout my Level 4 Construction Site Engineering Technician Apprenticeship. Because my course was an apprenticeship, I had to do an End Point Assessment (EPA) through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Bob helped me to prepare for the EPA, going through the presentation and the report with me.”

Sonia: “I have to give credit to Bob (Terry). Before I joined calfordseaden, I’d never had anyone as supportive as him. I really appreciate everything he’s done for me in terms of support throughout my two years at calfordseaden.”

What would you like to see change in the industry moving forward?

Becka: “From what I’ve seen its getting better, but it would be nice to see a lot more women involved in engineering and construction, but I think it is getting there.

There’s a lot more understanding with situations regarding mental health and women’s health. Recently, we’ve had certain discussions regarding those topics within the company and it’s been interesting to hear older women going through certain changes. I think it’s great that these conversations are happening and progress is being made, hopefully this continues and leads to more.”