Women civil engineers
Quotes from Rosalind Williams (lady engineer) Director of MIT’s program in science, technology and society.
“Today many civil engineers design not structures but software systems to manage construction.”
“We have practitioners who never actually build things.”
“Civil engineering involves the creation of and management of man made habitat.”
Another eminent lady engineer on "What do you like most about your job?" :
“I really enjoy the team work necessary to complete a job. The jobs all involve many different types of people from many different job disciplines. In project design you work with most all engineering disciplines, lawyers, developers, citizens, planners, architects, contractors, surveyors, just to name a few. What is always a challenge is to take into account everyone's viewpoint and figure out the best solution to the problems at hand. It is somewhat like solving a puzzle. There are usually a few ways to solve every problem but to come up with the best and least expensive way is always fun and always a challenge.”
A senior woman civil engineer:
“The variety of positions appeals to me,” she says. Her projects have included computer-system development, working with electrical contractors on signals and lighting, environmental construction requirements, design of structures, work with material suppliers and more.
Communication skills are paramount for civil engineers, she notes. “We deal with highly technical issues. Trying to put those into words that the public understands can be challenging,” she says. Besides, nobody wants a road in their own back yard, but everyone wants the most efficient way to reach their destination. “It’s always a balancing act.”
Yet another woman engineer on "What advice do you have for young women interested in Civil Engineering?":
"It is a very rewarding job. Watching something you designed be constructed and function well is a great thrill. It is also fulfilling to solve the 'design problems'. It is somewhat like a puzzle or game to try and come up with the best design for the least cost while still making it look good. And women are good at this; they typically plan well and can think outside the 'box' to come up with innovative solutions. They also pay close attention to details which is extremely important in this field. There are many female civil engineers in the workforce today."
