Today, on International Women in Engineering Day, we interview 4 women engineers from Escubedo to learn about their views on their profession.

 

  • What is your role at Escubedo and what is your day-to-day like at the company?

Mayte: My main responsibility is the procurement of some materials for our own manufacturing, as well as all the outsourcing materials for our center and some of our subsidiaries worldwide, ensuring they arrive according to our commitments to our clients.

Mireia: I am a process engineer, and I focus on analyzing, optimizing, and solving problems that arise in production to improve the day-to-day operations of the factory using logic and, above all, common sense. I always look for the simplest and most durable solutions to the daily challenges that come up.

Montse: I handle supplier quality, although I also perform tasks together with plant quality. My day-to-day at the company is very stimulating, with not a day going by without learning something new.

Sara: My role at Escubedo is to gather information from the client accounts I manage with the aim of increasing sales at Escubedo and providing the best possible service to meet client needs.

 

  • How would you describe your experience working in a predominantly male sector? Have you had to face gender stereotypes?

Mayte: Personally, I work well with colleagues of any gender, so I have had a good work experience in that regard.

Mireia: I think we are at a turning point. Fortunately, in my generation, many women have dared to overcome the challenge of engineering stereotypes. Along with all my fellow female graduates, we are part of the paradigm shift, breaking the preconceived notion that engineering and factories are for men. We must always face gender stereotypes in all aspects of life: studies and work are just another part. It is exhausting but also motivating to fight for an imminent change.

Montse: It is a constant challenge because I often feel like I have to prove myself more than my colleagues.

Sara: Although my experience has generally been positive, I have regularly faced gender stereotypes. This has led me to demonstrate my abilities more assertively to be recognized at the same level as my colleagues. Challenges have always been an opportunity for personal growth.

 

  • In Spain, only 20% of engineering students are women. What would you say to young women considering studying a technology-related degree?

Mayte: Go for it! It is a very enriching world that allows you to see things from a different perspective and, above all, gives you the possibility to innovate to adapt in a constantly changing environment.

Mireia: I would tell young women not to be afraid. Percentages are just numbers and do not tell the whole story. The only way to evolve is for us to be part of the change.

Montse: I would tell them the same thing as with any other degree: if it truly is their passion, they should not hesitate and go for it.

Sara: Choose the career that you are passionate about and dare to challenge stereotypes. As we normalize the participation of women in technical and technological fields, it will become less complicated for future generations.

 

  • How do you see the future of women in engineering?

Mayte: We need more women engineers to be able to position ourselves in a more technologically equal world.

Mireia: The more of us there are, the easier it will be to reach positions of responsibility and make decisions. We are now at a point where those with the most experience are not us, and that is what needs to change.

Montse: I think there is still a lot of work to be done, as it is still difficult to find female role models for young women to see themselves reflected and decide to choose this path.

Sara: Although there is still a long way to go, today the evolution is promising. More and more women are occupying leadership positions in technical and technological companies, thanks to the recognition of equity in the capabilities between men and women.