Franklina Owusu-Brobbey
Programme Coordinator
23 Jun 2021
We may have come a long way from the days when women were taught skills at school on the basis of “becoming a good housewife”, but there is still a big gender divide when it comes to participation in STEM subjects. When it comes to GCSE topics, only 1 in 10 entries to engineering are by girls, despite girls continuing to outperform boys in almost all GCSE STEM subjects [1].
Women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds remain severely underrepresented in engineering-related apprenticeships [2]. That’s why International Women in Engineering Day, which was launched by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), continues to be so important. The international awareness campaign aims to raise the profile of the many inspirational women in engineering, and shines a spotlight on the amazon career opportunities available to women and girls in this industry.
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, which takes place today, I spoke to Oyin Talabi, a senior energy consultant focusing on helping clients develop and achieve their sustainability targets.
When did you decide STEM was for you?
“When I was around 13 or 14 years old, I knew I was going to be an engineer because I was naturally good at the sciences and maths – and I enjoyed these subjects (which is really important to note!) I grew up in both the UK and Nigeria, and from a young age I noticed that there wasn’t always a constant electricity supply like there was in the UK, and these experiences always made me wonder why there was such a disparity. So, I decided I wanted to bridge the gap. I studied IGCSE’s (international GCSEs) in my secondary school in Nigeria. I then moved to the UK and studied Chemistry, Physics, Maths & Biology in sixth form. I then went on to gain a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Loughborough University, with a year in industry.”
How have your interests evolved over the years?
“I started my professional life in Oil and Gas, and I was convinced this was the right path for me. After working in this field briefly, I realised I was more passionate about sustainability, so I went on to work in Energy Consulting. I love my work now because it involves developing strategies to help large corporations (including Oil and Gas companies) become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint.”
What do you like about what you do?
“My role is diverse, so everyday I do something new and I can see myself changing the world in a better way. I actively help the UK and the world at large reach carbon neutrality and carbon goals through my work with companies, and organizations that are moving towards emissions reduction and goals.”
Tell us about the most interesting project you’ve worked on
“I recently worked on a project that was a new mixed-use development in North London. My team helped develop a strategy to provide low carbon heat to all dwellings. The most significant element of this all is that it is likely to be one of the first large scale low temperature heat networks in the UK, setting a precedent and paving the way! A huge step towards helping achieve net zero emissions and goals, one area at a time.”
What is your most significant accomplishment?
“This year, I won the ‘Rising Star award in Energy & Utilities 2021’ from WeAreTheCity. It is a globally recognised award that showcases inspirational women in a range of careers from engineering to law. I also work on diversity and inclusion initiatives inside and outside of the workplace, to encourage a wide range of people to consider a career in engineering. I engage in STEM volunteering in schools with students of all ages, mostly through making videos. I share news about STEM, the different routes you can take to achieving your goals and how engineers can look different and come from all walks of life and background.”
How do you deal with disappointment and challenging situations?
“One thing you have to accept now is that everything isn’t going to happen just how you like it. You will always face things that are disappointing, such as not meeting expectations or deadlines, not winning a competition, or securing a project. There will be some of you who don’t win the award in the competition you are in now, but winning isn’t everything or necessary. We don’t all succeed at everything, but what you learn is what prepares you for the next level. Regardless of the challenge, take one lesson every time and move forward with that. Although perfection can’t be achieved, everything you do can be improved upon. If you don’t win, bounce back better and stronger. Get a mentor or some support – the right community is crucial and don’t penalise yourself for making mistakes… so after everything remember to TAKE A BREAK!”
Who inspires you?
“My family, and women who have overcome adverse challenges to achieve their dreams such as Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama. One of my favourite movies actually highlights the contributions and achievements of women of colour in science. It’s called Hidden Figures and demonstrates the tenacity and contributions of Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan, who broke barriers whilst working for NASA to make the moon landing possible. I watch this movie often, and it reinforces that anyone can become an engineer or scientist, because if they can do it, so can I. This has encouraged me because I am often the only POC and one of few women in the room but I speak up and stand up for myself which isn’t always easy but always brave.!
If you could go back in time and meet any scientist who it would be and why? What would you ask them?
“I think all three ladies in Hidden Figures, because I want to hear their stories. I want to know what inspired them to keep going despite the barriers and how they felt after significant achievements.”
Any advice for young people especially girls considering a career in engineering or STEM?
“I would say follow Nike’s motto and ‘JUST DO IT’. You might think you are only one person, but you are so important. This career is very rewarding. Don’t be afraid or discouraged because engineering doesn’t belong to one group of people, you can change the face of STEM.
Try to get work experience and internships to make sure that’s what you want to do, and even then know that there are alternative routes to your final destination. If a certain path is not for you, take the route that works. If you prefer more practical learning – consider an apprenticeship. Connect with people in the industry/field you are interested in. Don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Lastly, be confident – I promise it’s not as hard as it looks!”
Any last words?
“I hope to see a lot of women changing the status quo and challenging themselves to pursue a degree in STEM. When you bring your own learning and lived experiences to STEM, you also broaden diversity of thought. Take advantage of opportunities you are given, like this amazing challenge! I wish I had gotten the opportunity to do this in school, it looks like so much fun and also gets your brain in gear early! But don’t forget to pay it forward once you make it. You too can inspire the next generation because it is rewarding and inspiring to see people that look like you doing what you love. “
The future of STEM looks bright if we utilise competitions like the Amazon Longitude Explorer Prize as an opportunity to address the UK’s skills shortage in STEM, specifically engineering. It is between the ages of 11-16 that young people can be exposed to different pathways and realise their potential. These challenges personalise STEM and push young minds, preparing them for the future and see that within conventional careers lies unconventional faces.
To this year’s challengers, all of your ideas are so impressive and innovative, so keep up the good work and hope to see you all in the boardroom soon!
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