FJA recently interviewed Ming and Yushan, our young talented Civil Engineers, to find out what it is like for women in the civil engineering industry in Australia. With their recent achievements, they’re happy to share their career journey so far and hope to pass on some inspiration and motivation on civil engineering graduates.
With civil engineering traditionally being a male dominated field (which the industry is trying hard to change), what first drove your interest in civil engineering?
Ming: To be honest, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but I did I know what I didn’t want to do. I didn’t want anything with blood so medical field was out, I’m an introvert and hate confrontation, so lawyer was out, and even when I was younger, I’ve always said I never wanted to be one of those corporate robots in a suit. So, coming from an Asian family, there’s only so many career options left. I will say, at the time, my parents didn’t like my decision to go into engineering because it was such a male dominated field. But like the typical Asian family, they’re happier now, because of how much money I make.
I didn’t really think about the fact it was male dominated too much. I’m really enjoying engineering, I’m learning every day, there’s new and different challenges with every project, and it’s really satisfying when something you’ve designed finally gets constructed.
Yushan: I’m interested in seeing what I design being built and seeing it in the real world. I was just pursuing my interest and ended up with civil engineering career.
What is it like being a female within the civil engineering industry in 2022?
Ming: There’s definitely still a disparity in gender balance, but the opportunities and support for women in engineering have also grown. You persevere, you learn, you put in the hard work, and you keep learning some more, and people will recognize you’re just as capable if not more.
Yushan: It is said that civil engineering is a male dominated industry. However, I can see more opportunities for female in the industry. In FJA we have more females engineers joining the team.
You are both at FJA, one of the fastest growing engineering consulting firms at the moment. What has that experience been like so far?
Ming: I’ve really enjoyed my time at FJA so far and have learnt so much here. The directors here are very supportive and they encourage you to grow/progress your career whichever way you want.
Yushan: It’s been really busy and challenging with different infrastructure projects; however, I’ve enjoyed my work at the same time. I’ve been given golden opportunities to learn and develop every day.
There has been a lot said about the gender pay gap issue, with a lot of civil engineering companies pledging to do better in this area. Is this something that has influenced you personally to date in your career?
Ming: I’m a little over three years into my career, when you’re that early in, you take whatever opportunities you get to learn, and the pay comes second. So, in my career so far, I can’t say it has influenced me too much. When I joined FJA, my decision was based on where or who I knew I could learn from the most, where I could get the most opportunities, and where I know I’ll have a team that’ll have my back. The good pay was a nice incentive, but ultimately it wasn’t a deciding factor for me.
The gender pay gap issue exists in a lot of industries, not just engineering, but I’m very fortunate to be working in a company that recognizes the value I bring and acknowledges the hard work I put in, and FJA’s renumeration package is definitely reflective of it.
Yushan: To be honest, this hasn’t influenced me too much as I’m only 3 years in this industry. I’ve been following my heart, pursuing my interest in engineering and believing in what I’ve been doing so far. However, this issue needs to be addressed, not only in civil engineering, but also many other industries.
What’s been your career highlight thus far?
Ming: Working on some of the biggest infrastructure projects including Canberra Light Rail, Sydney Metro and Brisbane Metro. There’s this location on the project I’m currently working on, where the site is insanely constrained. It’s so challenging, yet the amount I’m learning from it is invaluable.
Yushan: Being able to participate in and contribute to large scale civil infrastructure projects like Sydney Gateway and Gold Coast Light Rail.
Any advice to recent school leavers (whether female or male) who may be interested in pursuing tertiary education and career in civil engineering?
Ming: If you’re interested in it, go for it. There are so many facets to civil engineering, give everything a try to work out what you like, say yes to any opportunities or tasks that comes your way. Even if that may mean spending your own time, you’ll only learn and develop faster because of it.
Yushan: If you’re interested in it, go for it. Your interest will keep you motivated.
What’s the best piece of advice you can give to young female aspiring engineers.
Ming: If engineering is what you want to do, don’t let the fact that it’s a male dominated industry dissuade you from doing it. Don’t let what other people say or think stop you from doing it. Know your worth and stick to your guns.
Yushan: Trust in your journey. Don’t get trapped by other people’s words of what a female can / cannot do. You have far more potentials than you ever realize.