To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we decided to sit down and ask some of the incredible women that work here, at Simworx, a few questions about their roles and what being a woman means to them…
CELIA – General Manager of Site Services
What was your journey to your role at Simworx today?
Having started as one of the first 2 female apprentices at British Aerospace Dynamics group in 1978, I have lived through a large amount of change, my path has always been Engineering Operations and there have been some amazing highs but equally so lows over the last 42 years. I have been extremely proud of some of my personal achievements and that of my team. Attitudes towards gender equality, mental health, emotional wellbeing, work life balance have moved from strength to strength over the years, and I believe everyone should be treated with the respect they earn, with hard work, dedication and passion being rewarded regardless of gender.
What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
Respect is earnt, not given.
What advice would you give to young women starting out in their careers?
Believe in yourself, be passionate about your job and remain true to yourself – if you do this you can achieve anything you want to!
CLAIRE – Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator
What was your journey to your role at Simworx today?
My first job was for a bank where I had various roles, mostly related to sales and I job shared after having my first child. I took a 4 year break after having my second child and then I’ve worked here at Simworx ever since.
What things do you like most about your job?
I really like the variety of clients from all over the world, it makes for a very interesting job. Each client’s requirements are unique and their diverse projects and venues are fascinating. I do find that many of the senior management who I correspond and speak with in the Far East, tend to be of a higher proportion women. Much ore so than in Europe or America, where we seem to be lagging behind.
Have you faced any barriers as a woman in the workplace and how have you overcome them?
I can truthfully say I never faced any, although some colleagues back in the early days (which was some time ago!) held outdated views. After having my first child I was fully supported by my employers when switching to a job share and never at any point did I feel this decision would hinder any career aspirations.
MOLLIE – Project Manager
What was your journey to your role at Simworx today?
I started off as a Designer in a Digital Design company and realised after some time I wanted to be a project manager. I moved to a company as a Software Coordinator and worked up into a Project Manager role. I then came into Simworx a Junior Project Manager and after some time working at Simworx, I was then promoted to Project Manager.
What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
If a challenge or opportunity comes your way take it, but never be afraid to ask for help.
Have you faced any barriers as a woman in the workplace and how have you overcome them?
I actually don’t feel like I have, even though I have always worked in male dominated departments/industries. I feel like I have always been treated equally to my colleagues.
TERESA – Senior Procurement Lead
What things do you like most about your job?
The people I get to work with and those that I meet.
What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
We all have 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason. No one has all the answers, everyone has something to contribute.
Have you faced any barriers as a woman in the workplace and how have you overcome them?
Not really, although behaviour breeds behaviour – for example, when attending a first day project meeting on site in 1997 I was asked if I was there to take the minutes. (a misperception as I was the only woman in attendance); when actually there to chair. However, I advised I was happy to take the minutes on this occasion. Going forward we decided the last one to turn up to a meeting would take the minutes (irrespective of gender). As you can imagine – no one was late and everyone ensured they were there on time and not the last person. Definitely a behavioural shift.
What does gender equality mean to you?
To see people as people and not stifle, prohibit, or favour, anyone because of their gender, treating all fairly
NICOLE – Digital Content Producer
What things do you like most about your job?
I love the variety of things I get to do on a day to day basis, Simworx is a very cool place to work, the variety of projects we get to work on makes it really interesting.
What was your journey to your role at Simworx today?
I graduated with a degree in computer arts a couple of years ago and from that I went to do a couple of internships at an animation company and then at the V&A Museum in Dundee before I landed my first job here at Simworx.
International Women’s Day was first marked in 1911 – over 100 years ago. Why do you think the day is still relevant?
I think as long as gender inequality and bias still exists, it’s important to highlight how far women have come in fighting for they rights and to be heard. Although we don’t face the same challenges that women did back 100 years ago, we face new, different ones that can often be prevalent in a workplace specifically.
As a young girl, what did want to be when you grew up?
I was always a creative and arty child and I’ve always been good with computers. I changed my mind a lot, and went through the ballerina, vet, and architect phases but I feel like I’ve landed in a a career that combines my best skills together.
CLAIRE – Executive Assistant / Human Resources
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers?
To find a job you are passionate about and to always believe in yourself.
What advice did you receive early in your career that has stayed with you?
Not to be scared to take on new challenges and to step outside of my comfort zone.
As a young girl, what did want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a designer – I did study interior design, soft furnishing and upholstery which has now become more of an interest/hobby for myself.