Series 16 – Episode 10 – Women in Tech Takeover: exploring career longevity

Drawing on her 25-year tenure at the university, Professor George reflected on her journey, the evolution of the field, and strategies to encourage more women to pursue and sustain careers in engineering.

Professor George’s fascination with engineering began in childhood, fostered by her parents' encouragement of her natural curiosity. “I think all children are curious,” she noted. “But without support, those interests can fade. My parents helped me keep that spark alive.” She emphasised the importance of cultivating confidence to explore and fail, a mindset she regards as crucial for innovation.

“Curiosity is the most underrated quality,” she said. “It drives nearly every breakthrough and admits we don’t have all the answers. That’s essential for growth.”

At the University of Manchester, Professor George has worked to establish initiatives that support women in engineering. She highlighted the Beatrice Shilling Scholarships, named after a pioneering female engineer who played a pivotal role during World War II. “We’ve now supported over 100 female engineering students who go into schools and communities to inspire the next generation,” she said. The scholarships aim to address gender disparity and celebrate diverse pathways into the field.

Recognising systemic barriers, the university has also launched programmes to encourage women to pursue promotions. “We found that women often hesitate to nominate themselves for advancement. By providing mentorship and clarifying expectations, we’ve seen a significant shift,” she explained. This approach not only helps women achieve leadership roles but also fosters a more inclusive culture.

Despite progress, Professor George acknowledged the enduring stereotypes about engineering. “We’ve moved beyond the image of hard hats and high-vis jackets, but there’s still work to be done,” she said. She called for integrating varied strengths into technical roles, noting that engineering is as much about creativity and problem-solving as it is about technical expertise.

She also discussed the importance of supporting employees through life changes, such as parental leave. “We used to oversimplify women leaving the profession as a motherhood issue. It’s more complex, and we need to provide realistic role models and better systems for both men and women,” she said.

Looking to the future, Professor George urged the industry to broaden its appeal. “We can’t afford to miss out on significant talent because of outdated perceptions,” she stated. She advocated for showcasing engineering’s impact on global challenges, like climate change, to attract diverse talent.

To male allies, she offered a direct appeal: “Be a champion for gender equality. Model fairness and mutual respect at work and at home. When men support women in leadership, it benefits everyone and sets a powerful example for future generations.”

As the engineering landscape continues to evolve, voices like Professor George’s provide both inspiration and a roadmap for change, underscoring the value of inclusivity in shaping a sustainable and innovative future.

To hear more from Professor George, you can listen to Electronic Specifier’s interview on Spotify or Apple podcasts.