In the spotlight: Planning & Cost Control Engineer Salmin Ragaey

On 11 February, we mark the UN’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from science related fields. At AtkinsRéalis , we have been making efforts in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

To highlight the importance of achieving full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further empower women, we’ve sat down with Planning & Cost Control Engineer Salmin Ragaey for a chat to find out what she likes the most about engineering, some of the challenges women in engineering face and what she thinks the key to success is.

Construction planning engineer for eight years now, Salmin is from Egypt, but was raised in the United Arab Emirates. She’s always been fascinated by engineering and with the encouragement of her father, she has pursued a career in the profession. She currently lives and works in Egypt  as a planning and cost control engineer, in the Engineering Services team.

Hi Salmin. First of all, could you tell us why you’ve decided to pursue a career in engineering?

My role model is my dad who is a projects director specialized in infrastructure, road and highway projects. He’s always encouraged me since I was young to study STEM subjects.

So, in school, I was mostly focusing on subjects like calculus, chemistry, physics, mechanics as well as humanity subjects like sociology, business, and Arabic writing. My scores were consistently high so with my dad’s encouragement I was very much motivated to pursue a career in engineering.

Which areas of engineering interest you the most and why?

I mostly enjoy problem solving and analyzing. I like critical thinking and going into the details of a matter. This relates in a big way to my profession as a planning engineer where I have to analyze and deeply understand the sequence of work in a construction project, the method of construction, the rate with which the work is being carried out, the amount of resources available and other project constraints that must be taken into consideration to ensure the project finishes on time in the most efficient and sustainable manner.

Have you experienced any challenges during your career as a woman scientist/engineer?

Pursuing a career in an industry mostly dominated by men has been very challenging! Ever since I went to university, I’ve been the only girl amongst 70 other men. I’ve always been asked by my fellow colleagues as to why I chose such a career, and if it was better for me switching to a more ‘female-friendly profession’

I’m passionate about scientific thinking and engineering, and this has made me even more eager to continue in engineering and prove to myself that I can excel in this career. 

In your view, why is women’s empowerment important for sustainable development?

I believe that sustainable development is about giving every individual the right to prosper and participate in society. Reducing gender inequality by providing equal opportunities for all is definitely a start.

I know that many countries now are suffering from a shortage in engineering talent, which is a result of the prejudices that hold back half of the potential workforce. I see engineering as one of the keys to the sustainable development of our societies, and to activate its full potential, the world needs more female engineers.

I believe that female engineers are very much needed now as role models to inspire girls and even boys to study engineering and to foster a new generation of engineering professionals.

What do you think are the current challenges for women in science? What is the key to success in a career in science?

Female engineers face far more challenges, so they have to put in extra effort to prove their capabilities. Women have other personal responsibilities that are equally as important and work environments must be adjusted to suit this and to enable women to a fulfilling career and personal life.

A key to success in engineering is continuous hard work, personal development and keeping up to date with new technologies and methods of work. Being open to diversity and change is a must in an evolving world and learning about other disciplines in engineering apart from one’s specialized major is also very important.

What message would you give to young women scientists/engineers?

Believe in yourself as no one knows your real potential more than you.

Look after your health and wellbeing and perhaps have a hobby outside of work. It’s always exciting to try new things and to find a new passion. This helps releasing stress, keeps the mind busy in a different subject and wires new networks in the brain.