Please give us a brief introduction to your role at Thales
I am currently Head of Systems Engineering for Training Solutions in our UK Aerospace business. As part of this role, I am responsible for the capability and development of system engineers. I’ve been in role for four months and I’m really enjoying having a wider impact on the business and helping to develop others. Prior to this, I have had a variety of systems engineering roles and I have worked on range of projects and products across our security and defence businesses.
Tell us a little bit about what inspired you to join Thales in the first place
I was aware of Thales and had heard that they were starting a graduate scheme, so started here as a graduate software engineer on the Watchkeeper programme. I was aware that there were opportunities for internal mobility and I have made the most of them throughout my time here. One of the key things that has kept me at Thales is the interesting work and great people I get to work with every day.
What have been the highlights of your time here so far?
I have really enjoyed representing Thales externally, whether that be to a customer at an engineering gate review, or part of a wider industry body – I have sat on the UK advisory board to INCOUSE UK (the professional body for systems engineering) for the last five years, where I get the opportunity to influence the future of systems engineering.
What advice would you give to other women looking to pursue a career path such as yours?
My advice would be to go for it! I feel really lucky to be able to get out of bed every morning to do something I love (and I do not like getting out of bed!). Engineering is a really creative industry and there are lots of fulfilling challenges out there for people, not just women, to get involved with.
In your opinion, how would you sum up the importance of diversity in the workplace?
Engineering is a complex and creative industry and women can bring a different perspective to the big engineering challenges of our time. Greater diversity and inclusion enables us to create even better solutions to meet the needs of customers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have really enjoyed my career at Thales since joining as a Software Engineering Graduate. There are always new challenges and opportunities if you look for them and I’m excited about the impact I can make in the future.