Mavis Rowland, Chartered Engineer UK
How did your journey to study Engineering begin? What inspired you initially?
My Dad is an Engineer , He Inspired me.
What does your family feel about your profession?
They are always pleased and I guess really proud of how far I have come.
Are you a member of the CAFEW facebook group? If so, for how long and active are you in the group?
Yes , Less than a year. Not always active, though trying my best, with 4 kids and a full time engineer , I hardly do. But I get involved once in a while.
How has CAFEW contributed positively to your social and professional life? Please advice on areas of improvement.
I think it is very informative and I get more inspired knowing there are great women all over the world.
What were your challenges in securing a job? What tips do you have to encourage others in job search?
Job search was a very tight one for me, I applied almost every day, I kept my mind busy with part time jobs caring for adults and kids, this gave me so much hope that I had all it took to become what I am now. So I pressed on despite the challenges (like people telling you off and looking down at you because you had not been blessed with job yet etc…) it was really bad. But my advice to you is that never give up! Once you get in, you will climb so easily and recover lost years quicker than you can imagine.
How best would you suggest young female engineers navigate their careers?
Female engineers should keep an open mind and grab all opportunities that comes their way.
How did you deal with the technical knowledge disparity that happens amongst females in engineering roles?
There will be lots. I just developed a great working relationship with other professional, where I easily solve any issue that may arrive.
What currently motivates you in your recent job?
My job is very sensitive and exciting. (sorry not allowed to speak)
What does work life balance mean to you?
It means so much to me, I am glad my company favours me so much in balancing my life with big family.
What are your expectations on the evolution of Engineering in the near future?
I want to see many more automated systems. Automation is all around us and it will further spread, Automation technology has significantly improved in recent years .Technological advances often appeared to take away jobs, yes, but in the long run they led to more jobs.
What do you wish you could have done better? What advice would you give your younger self and why?
I think I would’ve been an apprentice first before going to university to study engineering . It would’ve been much better to under the tools and handle the tools so you would be more confident in managing the guys on the tools.
Provide a personal quote to motivate others.
Never Give Up No Matter What They Say to you : There are many negative people out there to turn you off. But focus. Good things don’t come easily. Bless Up!
CAFEW is happy to celebrate, encourage, and motivate Female Engineers and other Females who enable success in Engineering.
“Talent is unique to each person so it is highly necessary to nurture it. Dream big, work hard consistently, develop skills continuously, volunteer, read & research always to increase your knowledge bank and most of all pray always.” – Ngowari Diminas, CAFEW founder
Smart and Stunning Female Engineers 
One thought on “CAFEW Inspiration: Interview with Mavis Rowland”