For International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) we're profiling some talented women engineers whose careers are truly thriving at Schneider Electric.
Meet Emily Pilgrim. She's a Smart Panels Technical Expert at Schneider Electric. She decided to become an engineer at a very young age when she discovered the magic of electricity. Since then, she studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at university; completed the graduate scheme at Schneider Electric; and is now in a permanent position with the company.
She shares her career journey, and what makes Schneider Electric a great company for women engineers.
What is it like to work in Schneider Electric?
Working at Schneider is interesting and varied. I currently work with an energy monitoring software, Facility Expert, helping customers connect their electrical assets.
When and why did you decide to become an engineer?
From a very young age I have always been very interested in science and I wanted to understand the way everything in the world worked. When I first learned about electricity it just seemed like magic and I wanted to be able to explain what it was all about. When I got to age 18, I decided to do a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering to take this knowledge to the next level.
Why Schneider Electric?
Schneider Electric is a company which aims to make a difference to the world of energy and not just follow the same processes already in place. I wanted to work for a company willing to push these boundaries.
How has Schneider Electric supported your career?
The graduate scheme was a great way to start at Schneider Electric and get to know the kind of role I wanted to work in. There has always been lots of training available when I've required it and everyone I've asked has always been willing to help me, especially when I was new to a role.
What has been your career path up to today?
I began working at Schneider Electric on the graduate scheme, which gave me valuable experience and exposure across the company. I began my permanent role and I have been developing skills in the commercial area as well as working on becoming a good leader.
How has flexibility supported your career choices and options?
Schneider Electric listens to its employees, enabling them to lead their own careers in the directions they want to. Every role I've worked in has allowed the flexibility to work on different projects to help with your development, for example this year I have been able to get involved with the Duke of Edinburgh scheme Schneider Electric has launched, as well as becoming a graduate line manager.
What has been your most rewarding experience as an engineer?
Solving problems which at first seem impossible but where if you work hard you can find a successful solution.
What has been challenging as an engineer?
Being underestimated. When I'm out with customers they often assume I'm not an engineer because I'm female. On my business cards I have written "MEng Engineering" next to my name and have noticed when I hand these out to customers they suddenly pay more attention. This doesn't phase me now though, as I like showing people I'm capable of more than they initially expect.
What's your advice for women interested in engineering?
Don't be afraid of doing something different, set the trends rather than follow what's expected of you. When making career choices take the time to discover what you're truly interested in and what motivates you.
Who has been your greatest support at Schneider Electric?
My colleague in Leeds. She never lets anything phase her, no problem is too big for her to solve! Whenever I've found myself overwhelmed with work and reaching a state of panic I always reach out to her and come away from the situation smiling.
Enjoy a successful engineering career at Schneider Electric
Women like Emily are enjoying successful engineering careers at Schneider Electric.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.