As part of the SEED feature Women in Science & Engineering, Karen gave the following answers to questions about how she came to work in the world of science.

Question: What led to your choosing science/engineering as a profession? Did a particular event direct your choice? Did someone significant influence you? What factors most influenced your choice?

Answer: The head-teacher at my six form school sent me to a Women in Engineering week during my A levels. This was designed to introduce students to engineering at university and in the workplace. I believe it was sponsored by the Engineering Council and WISE (Women Into Science & Engineering).

After A levels I worked for a year under the "Year in Industry" scheme. This scheme places post-A level but pre-university students in engineering companies where they undertake research/design projects. It is a very good way to learn about the engineering world before going to University. Many colleges recommend taking a year out, and this is a very productive way to spend the year.

At the end of my year out, I entered the Young Engineer of the Year competition (1992) with the project I had worked on under the above Year in Industry scheme. I came first in the North West region, and went on to be 2^nd in the National final. This gave me the confidence to go on to study engineering and was certainly an influence in deciding to work as an engineer after college (the"I can do this" factor!)

My mother's advice was that languages/arts/humanities are much easier to pick up and learn/enjoy as a hobby or in spare time whereas the sciences really have to be done in school!

After university many of my fellow students quit engineering to do financial jobs, for me I was looking for something I would enjoy and where I was being productive. I didn't want to be a paper-pusher.

Q: What challenges did you face getting to where you are today?

A: Academically I don’t think I had any challenges the guys didn’t. Obviously there are not that many women studying/practicing engineering, but I have found that as long as you don’t make an issue of it, it doesn’t become one. So I guess I should thank all the guys I've worked with for seeing past the blonde hair etc.!

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job today?

A: I changed jobs recently and so although I am still a mechanical engineer, the environment in which I am working is completely different fro my last position. Perforating guns have to be able to withstand a one-time immense explosion whilst directional drilling tools have to survive hours of continuous high-level vibration and shock. What is challenging is learning all the aspects of drilling whilst developing new tools. Of course this is what makes it interesting too, as I am constantly amazed at what the field are capable of doing to the tools!

Q: What is the most interesting part of your job?

A: Probably the most interesting part to being an engineer is trying new things to find a solution. I also enjoy the varied job that I have, going from research - design - manufacture - test - field test - commercialisation. I get to see the entire project cycle and it keeps me thinking on my feet!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: The variety and breadth makes it both enjoyable and interesting.

Q: What does your everyday job consist of?

A: I recently transferred within Schlumberger, so I will describe my previous job; I am still working out what my new position encompasses!

I did work at the Schlumberger Perforating and Testing Center (SPT) in Rosharon, Texas. Here, we developed the shape charges and perforating guns for completing wells. My job encompassed material research, part design, interaction with designers record keeping, part/performance testing, scheduling of tests/technicians, interaction with vendors/manufacturing, interaction with the field for queries/field testing, interaction with other groups working on similar guns, along with other aspects of design projects such as costs and intellectual property.

I now work within the Well Construction group (Advanced Drilling Systems) of Anadrill. Here the motors for directional drilling are developed. I am working as a project engineer on these.

Q: Do you travel a lot? Where do you travel? What does travel contribute to the quality of your work and life?

A: Not really. Most of the travel I have done has been for recruiting purposes. At SPT, we were fortunate enough to be able to test most of our equipment on site, hence the need for travel for testing is reduced.

Q: Who were the people who have most influenced you throughout your studies and professional activities?

A: Throughout my studies, I don't think anyone in particular stands out. I was obviously effected by professors, supervisors and other students, but essentially it is you that has to learn the engineering skills!

In my professional activities, I was certainly influenced by those I worked closely with. Attention to detail was probably THE most important thing that stood out. You, your team and your tools are only as strong as the weakest part, so watch out for that Achilles' heel! Anything you miss will invariably come back to create havoc at a later date!

Q: Is working towards a science/engineering career harder than for other fields/professions?

A: That's hard to say because I haven't personally worked towards any other field, and many difficulties/hurdles are determined by your own personal abilities/interests. If you are an engineer at heart, it would be much harder to be a lawyer for example, even if the path to being a lawyer was supposedly easier.

Through college, it was evident that engineers put in as much work as the lawyers/doctors etc., and that humanities subjects seemed to have an easier time of it. The friends I have from college who are now working in other professions (law/accounting/consulting etc.) do put in many hours and do have to learn a lot in their jobs too. Only time will tell how our careers progress.

Q: Have you ever found yourself in a professional situation where your being a woman resulted in you or your work receiving inequitable treatment? How did you deal with the situation?

A: Probably the only differences I have encountered has been in field situations involving heavy equipment. Other male engineers are expected to pitch in and help carry things (regardless of their size), whereas it is quite frequently made obvious that they don't want me to lift anything. This is fair enough and I deal with it by making sure pathways are clear, doors open etc. etc., and I carry the smaller stuff.

Q: Did you ever consider dropping out of science? If so, for what reason and what made you stay?

A: Not yet. Perhaps at some point, but there’s still lots for me to learn in engineering yet!

Q: What impact has your choice of career had on your family life?

A: Attending university probably has a bigger impact on the path your personal life takes, irrespective of subject studied. Another big impact for me was moving abroad, I see many of my friends getting married etc., but I don't consider my choices to have been detrimental to my life, I have had exposure to different experiences.

Q: What advice would you share with young female scientists today?

A: Stick at it. It is hard, but no-one got anywhere for having an easy time! I think it is just as hard for everyone to learn the technical aspects. If you are good at it, don't give up simply because you are female. For me, this never came into the equation. We live in a technology-orientated society, so being a scientist gives you the opportunity to take an active part in the future!