Female Engineers should be respected because they require passion, consistency, technical abilities; hands-on skills, soft skills, very high standards of work ethics, professionalism, high-level management, desire and ability to solve problems.
Engineers are ready to look for solutions to complex problems and find ways to make our daily lives easier. These typically require critical thinking, calculations, research, practical hands-on work and other forms of technology. With my personal and professional experience, Female Engineers need to maintain some skills that are vital to succeed in this male dominating field. The eight crucial skills are briefly described below and also depicted on the chart for secure memory.
Authentic: Exhibiting creativity and authenticity at all times even in subtle ways gives others the clarity on one’s passion. We need to be ready to hit the ground running. We should try to be professional and social at the same time under all forms of circumstances. Think smart and be willing to exhibit creative ways to solve problems at all times. The intention is to motivate and inspire others by achieving results.
- High performer: Each engineering task brings its unique challenge, so therefore we have to demonstrate high-performing attitude and skills. Asking high-performance questions is a brilliant way to strengthen one’s engineering, design and technical expertise. These questions will ensure a clear understanding of technical issues, language and safety while visualizing the business goals. Be open and ready to learn.
Time management: Most Engineering jobs require multiple tasks and interface with a lot of people where one is needed efficiently on schedule. Effective planning is necessary at all times to prioritize tasks, assign tasks where possible, take control of time assigned and monitor these activities. It is important to have the ability to utilize practical, online and other research resource tools to complete jobs efficiently.
- Emotional Management: Most times people perceive women as very emotional, and this impression needs to change. Once we can learn to control emotions at work places or in local communities, it establishes a firm trust that we can handle the enormous tasks. Sometimes others like to take credit for your job or want to throw you under the bus openly but being able to deal with this professionally without including personal issues sets you aside as an incredible leader. The ability to identify barriers that can cause confusion and distraction are required.
Confident: Being brave with positive energy while commanding respect is extremely necessary. This can be visibly displayed through one’s facial expression, the tone of voice, posture, body language, eye contact, and active listening. Looking at most successful female engineers, you can’t help but notice that executive presence they exhibit. We need to be effective communicators to others. Effective communication can be done with tact and focus while being influential. Also, provide the avenue for general documented feedback from others regarding performance that will be useful in the future.
- Risk Taker: Risk is a factor that deters most people from moving to the next level due to the fear of failure. Female engineers should have the ability to take risks no matter what the outcome is. If one fails, one learns. If one makes it after takin the risks, one has an additional achievement. Either way, it is a win-win. Most importantly, we should learn to identify risks, analyze, and have alternative options to mitigate or eliminate those risks and make decisions effectively.
Diversify: The ability to integrate multiple skills and talents increases the chances to achieve effective leadership. Sharing experience on each task or work environment is essential. Having that style and power of inclusion where one ensures people feel included no matter what or who they are will create an increased open work flow environment. This diversification also includes easily adapting to a multi-workforce with full consideration of gender, generation, culture, nationality, position, and different methods to accommodate all.
- Volunteer: Being able to volunteer for a good cause either partially or full time with delight is priceless and makes a positive impact around you. Every year many countries celebrate the National Volunteers’ week to recognize the importance of volunteering and also show the positive benefits including lives changed through the selfless acts of providing excellent service to others. Finding time to mentor and coach others brings forth a sense of responsibility and fulfillment.
Written by Ngowari Diminas
Smart and Stunning Female Engineers 