For International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) we're profiling some talented women engineers whose careers are truly thriving at Schneider Electric.
Meet Anna Usewicz. She's a Design Engineer at Schneider Electric. She works on new and existing product designs for Schneider Electric.
She talks about her experience of engineering at Schneider Electric, and how the company has offered her opportunities to explore different disciplines in the industry.
What is it like to work in Schneider Electric?
I work as Product Design Engineer in Schneider Electric at Swindon. My day-to-day activities focus on creation, modification, improving or adaptation of the new or existing product designs across Schneider Electric. In addition, I provide support to industrial, quality, purchasing and marketing service.
When and why did you decide to become an engineer?
I think when I was 6 years old. My dad took me to his place of work. It was big manufacturing company with welding stands, painting facilities and long assembly lines. It was a company that produced agricultural machinery like excavators. I still remember the smell of oil grease and riding on a crane.
Why Schneider Electric?
Because I saw an opportunity to learn something new and additional and new design experience and knowledge in new engineering subjects, for example, metal sheet design.
How has Schneider Electric supported your career?
In few ways. On the beginning, I took a part in the 90 days program training, which help me with whole team integration, and I learned more about company structure. I had opportunity to participate for example in external software course in 3D modeling Creo. Currently I'm involved with BGL (Building Great Leaders) program. I gain huge benefits and support from my colleagues during my day to day activities where thanks to task/project rotations and cooperation with different internal/external teams, I’m able to gain more knowledge, skills and better understanding of the business. I also have very good mentor and I feel very confident even if I was assigned to very challenging tasks.
What has been your career path up to today?
I applied to university to focus on biomechanical subjects because I was interested in how to design fake hands. During my study, I discovered that I really enjoy using 3d software for designs and I have unlimited tools that I can use to design anything. I like to gain new knowledge around how different things work. I graduate with Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In my first work in Poland I was gain a knowledge about drawing and assembly preparation but this was mainly assembly line drawings of cereal seeders.
Then I had a break to focus on my family. I came back to the engineering, but it was a different type of engineering. Engineering in UK was challenging because it was a different country, different working culture and more importantly, the rapid progress within the engineering field itself during my off period was huge.
Luckily for me I was able to get a job in automotive industry and I started to work with the R&D team and gain knowledge about sensors and accelerator pedal design. I used 2D software AutoCad and I was involved with laser programming and thermal process during the manufacturing of the PCB. I had an opportunity to program and run Pick and Place soldering machines and I was involved with chemical material research used for R&D projects during development of magnetic sensors.
Then I decided that I wanted to learn something new and that is why I'm here at Schneider Electric. I have been able to learn how big corporations work and how to design metal sheets or mouldings.
How has flexibility supported your career choices and options?
I had opportunity to work few days at the Volta laboratory in France. I was involved with short circuit tests of the new and critical products. It was stunning experience. I had the opportunity to see how other Schneider Electric units work, exchange knowledge, ask questions. It was a good experience after which I was able to ask myself: would I like to work there? What do I like and what didn't I like?
What has been your most rewarding experience as an engineer?
Being able to work with smart and inspiring people who have a lot of experience in other disciplines, so I can learn every day. Also, the satisfaction of designing or improving products and see finished, real goods.
What has been challenging as an engineer?
Working with new clients is the most challenging experience for me, especially if there is a lack of engineering background in between. Each client is different and has different expectations. Understanding what customers want and explaining what I can provide, because there are engineering limitations which are very challenging at the beginning of the collaborations. Communication must be very simple, straightforward and comprehensive. It is something that I am constantly developing and I’m trying to provide simple but very detailed reports or presentations with 3D models as explanation for different subject or concerns.
What's your advice for women interested in engineering?
Engineering is great fun and a very wide field which allows you to develop your skills and creativity. It gives you big satisfaction and freedom. I’m pretty sure that each woman can find something for themselves and unleash their ideas. The beauty of engineering is in each of us.
Who has been your greatest support at Schneider Electric?
Since I joined Schneider Electric, I really appreciate the mentoring approach and great support I have received.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.