I love the reaction I get when I tell people I have a degree in engineering. As only around 11% of the UK engineering population are women, I feel I am part of a unique group of professionals.

 

Graduating in 2001 from the James Watt Engineering School at Glasgow University, I have always been keen to see how things work and figure out ways of making things better. I excelled in maths, science and art at school, so I knew I had a natural calling to pursue a STEM degree.


Building, making, sketching and inventing was part of my everyday as a child. I now reflect and think how dull my childhood would have been, if I didn’t build those tree swings, go-carts and pulley systems!

Smashing stereotypes

One of the challenges I have had to overcome, along with many other engineers of my generation, is breaking down stereotypes associated with the profession.


Fortunately my work has taken me around the world, including the USA and Europe, and brought me into contact with some amazing engineers. We are fearless, and yet compassionate and supportive towards our fellow engineers.


Also, in 2007, I applied for – and won - the IET’s Women's Engineering Society Prize. Since then, I’ve had a bond with the IET, which has introduced me to many more like-minded engineers.


I’ve attended networking events, been a judge on international and national boards, featured in PR material and generally just been an ambassador for the profession. I now love mentoring the next generation of engineers and dispelling myths about engineering – it gives me so much positive energy and motivation.                                                                                                                                     

Building a career

My core field is new product development and manufacturing. These areas encompass creative thinking, detailed project management, as well as having a technical understanding of how things are made.




Working first in the international toy arena and then the food and drink sector, I have found that no day is ever the same and I am always thrilled to see the next great product hit the shelves.


Ten years ago I did an MBA at Strathclyde International Business School. This has helped me to balance my excitement for engineering and new product development with a deep understanding of the commercial side of products.


My journey in engineering has allowed me to work across most business functions with some of the world’s most renowned brands and products, including Action Man, Monopoly and Mars Chocolate.  It’s a truly rewarding and inspiring profession that I think others should consider becoming part of.





Mamta Singhal, Commercialisation Manager at Coca-Cola European Partners

 

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