For International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) we're profiling some talented women engineers whose careers are thriving at Schneider Electric.
Meet Project Manager Catherine Anderton and discover her varied career at Schneider Electric tackling a diverse range of projects.
What is it like to work in Schneider Electric?
Working for Schneider as a Project Manager is varied and can comprise of working in the office, working from home, attending both internal and external meetings, carrying out site surveys and progress reports, carrying out design work, day to day problem solving ordering equipment and services, and tracking jobs for programme and costs. The work is challenging, diverse and rewarding, especially when you see through a project from start to finish.
When and why did you decide to become an engineer?
My father was an electrical engineer so both my parent actively encouraged me to take up engineering. I also did a work experience placement with school at an NHS training college and they expressed that I had the right attributes for becoming an engineer, this is when I seriously considered a career in engineering and started applying for jobs, apprenticeships & training schemes. This was quite rare in the 1980's for women to apply for engineering jobs and I was often the only female at the interview/on the college course etc.
Why Schneider Electric?
I have always found the people to be hard working, honest, reliable and fun to work with, which is important for me. Plus Schneider is a global company which provides many varied career opportunities and a good benefits package too
How has Schneider Electric supported your career?
Schneider have supported me through various stages of my career with varied training experiences, provided me with mentors whom I have learnt a lot from, & helped me develop my career
What has been your career path up to today?
I started out with a small control panel specialist working on HVAC schemes and this comprised of a work placement plus carrying out an ONC/HNC college course via day release. I joined Satchwell Control Systems Ltd part way through the 2nd college course as a trainee which gave me the the opportunity to train on the job and also continue with my HNC at college. I then had a break from working & returned to full time education to study for an engineering degree in building services. After graduation I had a short time working at Cranfield University Estates department, but then returned to Satchwell Controls which was bought out by a number of companies finally becoming part of Schneider Electric. I have progressed my career path with Schneider and currently work as a Project Manager for the end user project team in the Midlands & South West
How has flexibility across Schneider enabled you to explore your career choices?
I found Schneider to be flexible when I had my children and decided to come back to work afterwards, giving my flexibility to work reduced hours & work from home when needed. My family routes are in the South West of England so I've been happy to continue to develop my Project Management skills here, but several colleagues have moved to work in Australia for Schneider Electric
What has been your most rewarding experience as an engineer?
Helping to teach others within the business unit my skills on project Management & working as part of a team. Plus, I was based full time at the Bristol Airport for 9 months heading up a project for them which I found really interesting & rewarding.
What has been your most challenging experience as an engineer?
Initially perhaps some scepticism from a few old school customers in the early days (as women were very rare in engineering!) but nothing that couldn't be resolved by good project management skills to win them over! Then probably when my children were very young and myself & my husband had to juggle our work & childcare, especially difficult when they were ill! This at times wasn't easy but we always got through it via team work.
What advice do you have for women interested in engineering?
Go for it! There is a vast array of engineering skills/jobs available offering varied roles & job opportunities. But be prepared to work hard to reap your rewards.
Who has been your greatest support across Schneider Electric and why?
There’s a lot of people who have all taught me so much!!
Be proud to work as an engineer 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.