To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we are shining the spotlight on three of our female colleagues across the Acteon Group who are working to transform the future in the energy sector.
Meet Gennine Kärrsten, Lead Engineer, InterMoor
Who inspired you to get into engineering?
“It was never one person or one defining moment that led me into engineering, it was more of a collection of experiences that herded me into the field. By the time I was in my last year of high school when trying to decide on a major, engineering always felt like the right fit and that was further validated as I went through university and when I started working.”
“I would love to see women coming into the engineering field who are not afraid to have a healthy work-life balance without fearing being taken seriously”
What does it feel like to be breaking stereotypes?
“My first instinct is to respond in denial, that I am not breaking any stereotypes, but when you look around the room and you are the only female or one of a handful of women in a room full of men, it is evidence that your presence helps break that stereotype. I love that when my daughter was five when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said: “I’ll probably be an engineer like you.” While I’m not making headlines, I’m coming to realize my presence is making a difference.”
This year’s Women in Engineering Day theme is #ImagineTheFuture, what would you like to see in the future?
“I would love to see women coming into the engineering field who are not afraid to have a healthy work-life balance without fearing being taken seriously if they want to start a family, plan a wedding, or that they have to sacrifice their home life to advance professionally. The ability to say no to more work when your plate is already full or to have stricter boundaries to maintain a work-life balance without fear of negative impacts on your career or how you are perceived – it’s a hard balance that I still struggle with, so I would love it if that became a norm.”
Meet Leah Claxton, Project Engineer, Claxton
Who inspired you to get into engineering?
“I would have to say it was my dad, Dannie Claxton, and grandad, Bob Claxton, that inspired me to get into engineering. Growing up around engineering meant I always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps and carry on the legacy my family started.”
What does it feel like to be breaking stereotypes?
“I have always enjoyed being the underdog. Coming from a workshop background always gave me the extra energy to prove men wrong, and it has been great to get on-site and prove myself out of the workshop and represent my family and the company as well. It’s so positive to see more women in the industry in all different fields across the company.”
This year’s Women in Engineering Day theme is #ImagineTheFuture, what would you like to see in the future?
“I’d love to see more opportunities in the field and more women on the tools away from admin roles so we can break the stereotype. Women should be treated as equals and this needs to be reflected in pay and the opportunities available to us.”
“It has been great to get on site and prove myself out of the workshop and represent my family and the company as well. It is so positive to see more women in the industry in all different fields.”
Meet Sarah Finn, Programme Manager, InterMoor
Who inspired you to get into engineering?
“My mum inspired me to become the person I am today: a mum with a career. She showed me what it looks like to succeed in your career and be a wonderful mum at the same time. I cannot think of any one particular person who inspired me to become an engineer but for as long as I can remember I was always fascinated by puzzles, building things and organisation. As a kid, I was always playing with Lego, erector sets, or doing jigsaw puzzles.”
“I’m incredibly proud that my two girls and my son will grow up watching their mum have a career in this field. I hope it inspires my girls to reach for any goal they desire despite any stereotypes.”
What does it feel like to be breaking stereotypes?
“It makes me incredibly proud. I have never really let the idea of a male-dominated environment hold me back. There have been times when it has been uncomfortable, for example, when leading a meeting with a client and the client only wants to talk to the male co-worker attending with me. That’s happened a few times, but I don’t let it slow me down and I continue to do what I’m there to do. I’m incredibly proud that my two girls and my son will grow up watching their mum have a career in this field. I hope it inspires my girls to reach for any goal they desire despite any stereotypes, and I hope it inspires my son to recognise that women have every right to have careers that have traditionally been held by men.”
This year’s Women in Engineering Day theme is #ImagineTheFuture, what would you like to see in the future?
“I’d like to see a more equal split of men to women in STEM, which seems like it is getting better with each generation. I’d like to see more support and understanding for any person who chooses to have a career and a family. I’d like to see companies that prioritise maternity/paternity leave for their employees. I’d like to see companies that allow flexible working hours and encourage their employees to volunteer at their kids’ schools. I love that kids are learning more STEM these days and I just want that to continue.”
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