“I want to take my career as far as it will go.”

Mary-Ann Wright graduated from Brunel University with a First in Mechanical Engineering, studied for an MSc in Building Services and Management in her spare time and is now a senior engineer at Faber Maunsell.  She tells us her story.

Q  Tell us about your route into the sector.

A My ideas crystallised in the Sixth Form when I went to a lecture at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers about women in engineering. I managed to get a place at Brunel – even though I didn’t have Physics A level – and graduated four years later. Faber Maunsell sponsored my MSc and I joined the company as an engineer in 2004.

Q Can you describe a project that you’ve found particularly exciting?

A I’ve been working on the new Middlesbrough College since the very early design stages. It’s hugely exciting – a new-build campus which is part of a major redevelopment of the docklands area.  It’s been fascinating to spend time on-site, liaising with subcontractors and solving problems as they occur.

Q How do you see your career progressing in terms of qualifications and professional development?

A Faber Maunsell has its own training academy and I’m always involved in one
or more courses.  I’m also a member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) which helps keep me up to date with all the latest developments. My aim is to continue to develop my skills so that I can take my career as far as I can.

Q  Would you encourage other young people to come into the sector?

A Definitely. I love the fact that there’s a new challenge every day – plus the opportunity to help the environment by implementing new energy-efficient technologies.

Q And finally – what does a good day at work mean to you?

A There’s no one thing!  It could be the buzz of meeting a deadline or of leaving a meeting knowing that I’ve contributed some creative ideas to the discussion.  Or it could simply be a day when I get an email from a client saying thank you for all the hard work we’ve put into delivering the solution they wanted.