On this International Women in Engineering Day, we take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible contributions of women in the engineering and construction industry. At Dornan Engineering, we firmly believe in fostering diversity and inclusivity, and we are proud to have talented women like Linda making significant strides in their engineering careers. In the article, we had the privilege to speak with Linda and gain insights into her educational journey, her path into engineering and construction, her current projects and her words of advice for aspiring female engineers.
What did you study?
After finishing my Leaving Certificate, I studied Art and Silversmithing for 3 years, which I really enjoyed, especially the design and practical aspects of the course but as a career path I felt it wasn’t secure enough for me and I felt myself wanting a more structured career. I worked several hospitality jobs after this until I eventually worked up the courage to return to education as a mature student and started my studies again in Mechanical Engineering at Munster Technological University (MTU) and graduated in 2021.
What jobs are you currently working on for Dornan?
I just joined a new team in Kilkenny, Ireland working for one of Dornan’s clients. Prior to this I was working in Clonee Co. Meath, Ireland in a data centre for another one of Dornan’s clients. The exciting thing about that project was I first joined it when I was in my third year of college as part of my work placement and when I graduated college, I was fortunate enough to join the Dornan team fulltime and was able to return to the same project, allowing me to be involved in the project from start to finish.
Do you get to work internationally?
So far, I’ve been based entirely in Ireland, but Dornan is based all over the Europe, with projects in London, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland just to name a few. So, who knows maybe when my current project finishes up, I might head abroad!
What makes Dornan special?
Something that stood out to me about Dornan is the company’s unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This was so evident to me when I first started out during my work placement. I find that the company truly values the unique perspective and contributions of its employees, regardless of their gender. Dornan also provides endless opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning which I also think is so important.
Any words of advice for girls to get into engineering / construction?
Absolutely! To any women considering engineering or construction, don’t be intimidated by the industry. Embrace your passion and don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams. Everyday brings a new and exciting challenge, and the site work provides the rewarding opportunity to follow a project from design to handover. Dornan also has a host of successful female engineers who are great role models for me, and other women considering engineering, which makes me optimistic for my future in the industry.
Conclusion:
As we commemorate International Women in Engineering Day 2023, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant contributions of women like Linda, who continue to excel in the engineering and construction sector. At Dornan Engineering, we are committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity and empowers women to thrive in their careers. We encourage young girls to follow their passion for engineering and construction, knowing that their unique perspectives and talents will shape the future of our industry, So, let’s celebrate the achievements of women in engineering and construction and work collectively towards a more inclusive future.