Happy Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
February 24th is National Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and here at McGill, we believe strongly in the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We also understand that this support must begin at a young age.
MCGILL VALUES WOMEN IN THE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY
As a firm, we place a high value on diversity and balance in the workplace, and we are fortunate to have some outstanding female engineers on our staff. These women are leaders in their field and disciplines, and they work tirelessly every day to make a difference throughout the Southeast, while also being trailblazers for women in the industry.
ENCOURAGING GIRLS TO PURSUE ENGINEERING
When it comes to introducing more girls to engineering, McGill understands the significance of leading by example. We recognize that, due to the intricacy of our work, the majority of young people have a limited comprehension of what engineers do if they are not exposed to it in an easy-to-digest manner.
To address this, we strive to be leaders not only on the jobsite but also in our communities. At groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, we spend additional time telling stories and answering questions, and most importantly, we make it abundantly clear that all people are embraced and respected in our profession.
Engineering Technician Chris Brown has been with McGill since 2001. “Young girls are not always encouraged to do engineering type work. By opening their eyes to what engineering is really all about, that interest can grow,” she said.
MCGILL’S ENGINEERS OFFER ADVICE TO YOUNG GIRLS INTERESTED IN THE PROFESSION
Chris offers the following advice to girls who may want to pursue a career in engineering: “The world always needs engineers. As you look around, you think about the items you use, did someone engineer a machine to make them? Think about the buildings around you, did someone engineer that site to make it buildable? What about the materials buildings and bridges are made of and how they are designed? And don’t overlook your toaster, how did someone make an appliance that toasts your bread? It’s interesting to think about these things and to think you can be a part of it in the making.”
When asked what advice she would give her middle school / high school self about engineering, Engineering Associate Natalie Croom explained, “There are so many fields of engineering that the possibilities are nearly endless so don’t be worried about not knowing exactly what you want to do right now. College classes, advisors, and even real-world experience after college can help you find what you truly want to pursue. If you like your math, coding, and / or science classes and enjoy problem solving, then engineering could be the path for you.”
WHAT MCGILL ENGINEERS LOVE ABOUT THEIR JOB
“The ability to work through a problem and find a solution is always rewarding. Engineering is one of the best places to make positive changes in the world,” said Natalie.
“I love that engineering is math and science related. These were my favorite subjects in school. It also allows me to use my creative side. Being in the civil engineering field, I love seeing projects go from an idea on paper to a finished building site open for use,” said Chris.
LEARN MORE
Click here to read about interesting projects that McGill has worked on, and we invite you to share some of these stories with any young girls in your life who may have an interest in pursuing engineering.
Podcast: McGill Minute – Episode 11: STEM Day 2021
Interview with Ian Riddell, STEM Facilitator at Carolina Day School
Article: Celebrating McGill’s Female Engineering Staff