Inspiring the Next Generation: Q&A Between Female Engineers
To mark a celebration of women in engineering and inspire future talent, Innovation Fire Engineering facilitated a conversation between two women at different stages in their engineering journeys. Helen, a highly experienced Associate (fire engineer), shares insights from her career, while Charmaigne, a Graduate Fire Engineer, brings a fresh perspective on the industry’s future. Their conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the power of diverse voices in engineering.
Helen – Associate (Fire Engineer)
What inspired you to become an engineer?
“When my children were both at school, I had the opportunity to change careers. I’d always enjoyed maths, and with my brother working in fire testing, the Fire and Explosion Engineering Master’s course seemed like an interesting challenge. I applied and was accepted—it was a tough but fascinating year.”
Have you encountered any barriers in your career, and how have you overcome them?
“I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive teams who valued my contributions. That said, my first design team meeting, with 14 men I had never met, was daunting. But through encouragement and persistence, I found my confidence and voice.”
What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering?
“Engineering is incredibly varied. If you like maths and working with people, there’s a world of opportunity waiting. It’s a career where you can make a real impact.”
Charmaigne – Graduate Fire Engineer
What interests you most about engineering?
“I love how engineering turns ideas into real-world solutions. Seeing how far technology has come—and how much it can still evolve—is what excites me most. Whether it’s improving something existing or inventing something new, engineering allows us to shape meaningful change.”
Which qualities do you have that make you good at engineering?
“I’m curious and love understanding how things work. That helps me think differently when solving problems. I’d also say I’m creative and very persistent—maybe even annoyingly so! I don’t give up easily and I always want to get things right, no matter how long it takes.”
What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering?
“Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. I’ve come across the idea that engineering is for men—that’s just not true. Engineering thrives on diverse thinking. Surround yourself with people who support and believe in you. That kind of encouragement makes a huge difference.”
Celebrating Stories that Inspire
At Innovation Fire Engineering, we’re proud to share the experiences of women like Helen and Charmaigne. Their stories show how far the industry has come—and how important it is to keep pushing for greater inclusion, representation, and opportunity. As these conversations grow, so does the next generation of engineers.
