FTI Team Member in front of Excellerate Product

Engineering is a field that demands not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking and resilience. In recognition of International Women in Engineering Day, I’d like to share about my journey into engineering, from my high school involvement in robotics to my current role as a product manager for the Excellerate eSkid™ product line, and offer some insight into overcoming challenges and finding success in this demanding profession.FTI Team Member Smiling

One of the challenges I faced was the gender disparity in engineering. Women are still a minority in engineering, often with a ratio of 1 to 10 or 1 to 20 depending on the size of the department and type of engineering. Although there is a gender gap within the engineering field, I have always had a voice within discussions. I emphasized the importance of presenting ideas clearly and confidently to ensure that opinions are respected and considered, regardless of gender. While women in engineering departments are still a minority, our ideas and contributions can be valued equally when presented effectively.

Finding My Passion

I believe that women considering a career in engineering should find a local school and understand the different types of engineering. FTI offers a STEM job shadow program where high school students can spend a day exploring a variety of STEM-related careers. There are many professions that utilize engineering degrees, and a large variation of day-to-day tasks, types of products or processes that you may be working on. Understand what your passion is, then find the field that fits you best.

Another challenge I faced was transitioning from a technical role at my previous employer to a more strategic role within FTI. This shift requires a different skill set and the ability to influence product strategy and ensure alignment with marketing, sales and engineering goals.

Embracing Strategic Influence

My journey highlights the importance of embracing strategic influence and understanding customer needs to succeed in a product management role. I enjoy having a say in strategy and understanding the reasons behind product decisions. I value the ability to influence the direction of projects and appreciate the opportunity to interact with customers directly.

Engineering can be a demanding field, and finding satisfaction in one’s work is crucial for long-term success. I enjoy designing cool products and seeing them in the field. Engineering provides a lot of career growth, and I’m excited for the future expansion of my responsibilities.

Recognizing Diverse Minds and Career Opportunities

I try to recognize different types of minds within STEM fields and the value of diverse thinking in engineering. I encourage women to pursue what makes them happy and emphasize the numerous opportunities available after completing a rigorous degree. Despite the challenges, engineering leads to numerous career opportunities and personal growth. Innovation comes from looking at products, features and end users in new and different ways. Having a diversity of thought aids in what we are all capable of achieving.