June 23 marks International Women in Engineering Day—a global celebration of the brilliant, bold women driving innovation and impact in engineering and STEM. At Randstad, we’re proud to shine a light on these voices and support a more inclusive, diverse future in technical fields. As part of our ongoing commitment—and through our partnership with Enactus, the UK’s leading youth social action and enterprise education charity—we’re helping young women connect with mentors, build confidence, and explore career possibilities in STEM.
To mark the occasion, we brought together Emily McAleese, a computer science student at Trinity College Dublin, and Daniela Opran, an engineering consultant at Randstad, for a wide-ranging conversation. From AI’s role in engineering to imposter syndrome and practical interview tips, this honest exchange offers insight and encouragement for anyone thinking about a future in STEM.
Q (Emily): How will AI affect careers in computer engineering and STEM in general, and how can employees best equip themselves for that change?
A (Daniela): I believe AI won't take over jobs, especially given the emotional awareness and comprehensive capabilities humans possess that AI cannot match. There's a significant demand for programming and software engineers, and while AI has advanced, it's not yet capable of efficient, emotional communication or original ideas required in many engineering roles.
Randstad's research indicates that AI will change how we work rather than replace jobs entirely. For instance, while AI might handle junior software development tasks, human oversight and creation of scripts are still necessary. This shift will emphasise "soft skills" like relationship building and decision-making—qualities AI currently lacks. Having tech skills is crucial now, as it will open up opportunities across all businesses utilising AI.
Q: What kind of skills are important to have in a general engineering career, especially with the integration of AI?
A: Communication is paramount, as it's a skill AI cannot replicate. While remote work is common, in-person interactions become vital to building rapport and fostering teamwork. Additionally, it's essential to be smart about using AI, viewing it as a tool to simplify tasks rather than a replacement. AI can analyse problems and provide breakdowns, but human facilitation and clear communication are necessary to get the specific solutions you need.
Authenticity is also key, especially when applying for jobs. While AI can help craft cover letters, many end up sounding similar. When using AI for your CV, ensure it sounds human and genuinely reflects your experiences. Recruiters often use AI software to filter CVs, which can unfortunately miss qualified candidates. Tailoring your CV to each specific job and including clear, quantified examples of your achievements and skills is crucial for standing out.
The primary challenge for women is often internal, battling imposter syndrome. However, it's important to remember that if you can do the job and have good ideas, your gender doesn't matter to most employers.
Q: Are there any advantages, opportunities, or drawbacks to being a woman in engineering or STEM?
A: Advantages exist, especially in the UK, where many companies actively seek to promote equality and increase the representation of women. Large companies, in particular, are often at the forefront of initiatives to support women in engineering, offering opportunities for visibility and growth.
The primary challenge for women is often internal, battling imposter syndrome. However, it's important to remember that if you can do the job and have good ideas, your gender doesn't matter to most employers. Mid-sized companies might be less progressive, but larger corporations with more resources are actively working to create inclusive environments.
It's crucial to assert your worth, especially when negotiating salaries or seeking promotions. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem silly, as recruiters speak with many candidates and can provide valuable insights. Remember that everyone, including men, can experience imposter syndrome, so having compassion for yourself and others in the workplace is important.
Q: Are there opportunities for cross-disciplinary skills and less commonly known applications of engineering?
A: Absolutely. Many companies, especially in sectors like infrastructure and defence, offer roles requiring diverse skill sets beyond a single specialisation. In manufacturing, for example, software engineers can be involved in various projects, including system coding and design. Manufacturing is a stable industry, even during economic downturns, as there's constant demand for essential goods, and these roles often pay well.
Large businesses frequently offer graduate programmes that allow individuals to rotate through different departments like operations, business development, and innovation, providing broad experience. Companies value graduates who can learn their specific processes and demonstrate loyalty, often leading to long-term career advancement and promotions. Therefore, don't be intimidated to apply for manufacturing jobs with software engineering skills, as these companies need and employ such expertise.
Q: Is pursuing a master's degree recommended for job opportunities in engineering?
A: It depends on the industry. For engineering specifically, a master's isn't typically essential. Many larger companies are willing to fund further education, such as master's degrees or higher national certificates/diplomas, for their employees while they work, as it benefits the company.
While a master's can look good on a CV, gaining hands-on work experience during that time is often more beneficial. Experience with team communication and real-world problem-solving is highly valued by employers. No company will explicitly state that a master's degree is a mandatory requirement for entry-level roles. They might prefer it for higher-level management positions, but even then, it doesn't have to be in engineering; a business administration master's could suffice. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, financial situation, and what opportunities are available. Often, work experience, internships, or vocational degrees are more impactful than a purely theoretical degree in securing your first job.
Q: Do you have any interview tips and tricks?
A: When discussing your hard skills, use the STAR technique: describe the Situation, Task, Action you took, and the Result. This provides a comprehensive picture of your abilities and problem-solving skills. Confidence in explaining your actions and how you handle issues is highly valued by companies.
Prepare for common interview questions beforehand by brainstorming specific examples for each. Recruiters can often provide a list of questions a client typically asks, which is incredibly helpful for preparation. While they might ask about your career path, employers are primarily interested in your analytical and problem-solving skills, often presenting scenarios to test your reactions and steps to resolution. As a recruiter, I am always available for a chat or provide advice on specific interview situations.
conclusion.
As Daniela reminds us, the world of engineering is full of opportunities—for those ready to ask questions, show up authentically, and embrace both tech and soft skills. Whether you're a student like Emily or a career changer considering your next move, there's a place for you in this evolving, dynamic field.
Want to learn more about engineering roles or need advice on your next step?
Reach out to Daniela Opran directly or explore our latest engineering opportunities to see where your skills could take you.
If you’re reading this as an employer of engineering talent and you want to know more about how we can support you with access to diverse, skilled talent, please get in touch with us today.