What does it take to be a successful woman in engineering? And how can we support other young women to fulfill their potential as a future engineer?

Wiley talked to 7 inspirational women that work in engineering in China. They shared their experiences and insights into how we can better support women in this field...

 

What were the biggest influences for choosing to become engineers/researchers?

Interest is the best teacher 

When it comes to choosing your career path, following your passion is a great place to start. These women love their subject area –and that’s played a big part in their success.

A great dream needs great effort

We all know that any goal worth reaching is going to take some hard work. Pursuing engineering as a career isn’t easy, but the hard work is worth it!

Role models and education are a source of inspiration

When we’re young, inspiration can come from anyone or anywhere – it may be a famous inventor like Thomas Edison, or someone closer like our parents. Schools play an important role too, in sparking interest in young students.

Finding the right career choice with the help of a good mentor

Choosing a career isn’t a straightforward decision. And once we’ve made our choice, we’re constantly working on developing that career. This is where mentors come in, to provide invaluable guidance and support that helps you get to where you want to go.

 

What’s It Like Being A Female Engineer?

Though things are starting to change, gender balance often remains a challenge in engineering. Some of the challenges women experience come from within, causing a lack of confidence. Some have faced unconscious bias and barriers to development in the engineering workplace, while others (we’re happy to hear) have had more positive experiences. 

 

How can societies advocate for equity in engineering? 

Face up to bias 

Opening up a dialogue on bias can be uncomfortable, but it is an important way we can encourage positive change  

Empathy is important 

 Not everyone is lucky enough to have the guidance of a good mentor, a supportive school or inspirational figures to look up to. We can look out for our peers and be conscious of the challenges for young engineers

Work together to raise awareness of unconscious gender bias 

We all share a responsibility to engage in active communication, to raise awareness of issues on bias and equity.  

 

What Advice Do You Have For Our Future Women Engineers? 

Be proactive 

Actively make career decisions, to ensure you’re going in a direction that aligns with your goals and interests. 

Be positive 

Failure can be a positive, if we take it the right way. No one enjoys failure, but we can use it to learn and grow both professionally and personally. 

Just keep going! 

Being successful can be hard work, but working consistently toward our goals is key. 

Learn from others 

We can learn a lot from other people; make the most of your networks and contacts! 

 

How can societies help future generations of female engineers? 

1. Build a positive presence in society, to establish role models for younger generations 

2. Acknowledge and act on social responsibility to make a positive impact and help women in their community 

3. Bring to light the social concern on gender bias, especially on unconscious gender bias 

4. Help women who do not have the support they need, to give them guidance and improved opportunities. 

5. Volunteer as a STEM ambassador, to inspire the younger generation 

6. Establish scholarships and awards for students from disadvantaged backgrounds

7. Involve everyone in gender bias discussion

 

Thanks to these 7 inspirational women, for offering us their pearls of wisdom!

Professor Yang Gao
Professor at Surrey University; Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Field Robotics; United Nations Space4Women Mentor

Professor Wenquan Che
Professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology; Editor-in-Chief of Microwave and Optical Technology Letters

Dr Xuan Li
Senior Engineer at China National Grid; Mentor for Tsinghua University postgraduate programme 

Dr. Christine Tan
Vice President at Semitronix; IET volunteer

Dr. Li Yao
Agency & Eng. Standard Chief Engineer, Danfoss; IET volunteer

Professor Chongru Liu
Professor at North China Electric Power University; Associate Editor on CSEE Journal of Power and Energy Systems

Professor Tao Xu
Professor at Tianjin University; Associate Editor for IET Energy Systems Integration; IET volunteer