International Women in Engineering Day 2025
Today is International Women in Engineering Day, a day that celebrates the amazing work that women engineers around the world are doing.
Hear from Christina Musa, Site Engineer, and Megan Crawley, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, as they share their inspiring journeys into the industry. From discovering their passions to working on nationally significant projects, they reflect on what they love most about their roles, and the advice they’d give to women considering a career in engineering.
Megan Crawley
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
How did you get into the industry and what has your journey been like so far?
Megan: “After finishing my geography degree, I wasn't quite sure what to do next. At a careers fair someone mentioned quantity surveying, and it caught my interest. I did some digging and realised it was a great mix of office work and being out on-site, which sounded perfect for me. So, I went ahead and did my master's in quantity surveying, and it turned out to be a great decision.
“Now I'm working at VolkerStevin, as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, and have worked on numerous Environment Agency jobs across the country. It’s been perfect, as I get to use my geography background and really understand the importance of what we're doing and why.”
Christina: “As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, I'm reflecting on my own journey into this dynamic field. My introduction to the industry came through a year-long industrial placement, while I was studying civil engineering at university. This invaluable experience not only solidified my passion but also led to a graduate position at VolkerStevin.
“Since then, I've had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects, from national infrastructure like HS2 to the ongoing Leigh and Hildenborough Expansion Scheme. Engineering has given me the incredible opportunity to work all over England, exploring places I might never have otherwise visited.”
Christina Musa
Site Engineer
What do you enjoy most about working in engineering?
Megan: “One of the things I absolutely love about being a quantity surveyor is the opportunities it brings. So far, I've had the chance to work all over the Southeast, connecting with people and places I wouldn't typically have come across, being from the Northwest. It's been an incredible learning experience. Each day in this role is completely different, and you can never get too comfortable. Just when you get the satisfaction of completing a job, it's onto the next one, where you get to start the whole process again. This constant change means you never get complacent and are always challenged. Every day brings something new, whether it's the people you meet, the job you're working on, or the location you're in. It keeps things exciting and fresh, and there's always something to look forward to.”
Christina: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see completed projects I've been a part of, and witness firsthand how they positively impact the surrounding communities – whether it's by improving connectivity, protecting homes from flooding, or creating vital infrastructure. I particularly enjoy the hands-on nature of my role and the immense satisfaction of seeing a project progress from concept to a tangible, completed structure.”
Any advice for other women considering a career in engineering?
Megan: “Do it! For me, choosing a career in quantity surveying has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I genuinely enjoy coming to work every day, and that's the most important thing.
“When you're working, make sure to ask as many questions as possible. You'll be surrounded by people who have years and years of experience and knowledge. More often than not, if you show genuine interest, these individuals love to share their tips, tricks, and insights about on-site processes. You'll find that you learn so much more from these interactions than you ever could in university. The more you take in, the better you'll understand the intricacies of your job and the more effectively you'll be able to perform.”
Christina: “For any women considering a career in engineering or construction, especially on International Women in Engineering Day, my advice is simple: don't be afraid to be yourself, embrace every challenge, and get stuck in. This industry offers incredible opportunities for growth, impact, and adventure.”
