With our biggest ever Future Engineers now behind us, here’s the final edition of our series providing an insight into the lives of women engineers working in the rail industry today, with help from the Rail Delivery Group.
Daisy Carlos (pictured, right) is an undergraduate engineer on a year-long placement after completing two years of a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Queen Mary University of London. She explains more about her work, how she got into engineering and the advice she has for the engineers of the future.
Why have you chosen a career in engineering?
I wanted a role where I could utilise my technical and creative side. My favourite subjects were always maths, physics and art, so I wanted something where I could possibly use all three.
What are the most interesting aspects of your role?
The most interesting aspect is how much I can be involved in with such little experience. People are very willing to share their experiences so I can learn through people.
What’s your favourite thing about working for the Rail Delivery Group?
How willing to help people are.
What are your future ambitions?
I am not sure at the moment, I’m hoping that this placement will expose me to a lot of different areas of work so I get an insight into what area I would possibly like to focus on.
Do you notice that more women are becoming engineers?
I still feel like there could be a lot more women in the industry, but it is getting better slowly.
If a child asked, how would you describe what you do in one sentence?
I’m constantly learning and absorbing as much information as I possibly can.
What did your family and friends think about becoming an engineer?
My older sister did civil engineering so they were happy that I would also go down that path.
What advice would you have for young people considering science or engineering?
Go for it! It’s worth it
What do you think about programmes such as Future Engineers—would you have taken part if you were younger?
Yes, I only learned about engineering, or even considered it as an option, when I was in about year 11 because of my older sister, so the only reason why I even got into the industry was because I was exposed to it from another person. I think being able to speak to someone that is in the industry and can share their experiences with you and clear up any doubts is really important, whether it’s a family member or not.
What was your dream job when you were aged ten?
I wanted to be a flight attendant, then I went on to want to be a pilot and later went on to do aerospace engineering to learn more about airplanes.
Have you always had an interest in trains and the railways?
No, it was because of this amazing opportunity at RDG that I am learning more about rail.
Do you have a mentor and what do you think are the benefits of mentoring?
Being able to speak to someone that already went through what you are currently going through, or having someone with experience to be able clear any doubts, is invaluable.
When you’re not at work, what do you do to unwind?
I always loved to draw, but I usually stick to graphite but now I’m delving into brush pens and paint. It’s really relaxing to learn a new technique, so that’s my current idea of fun these days.