Carmel Walsh
Chief People Officer, Jones Engineering
Luiza Brack
Planning Engineering, Jones Engineer
Chief People Officer Carmel Walsh and Planning Engineer Luiza Brack of Jones Engineering outline the importance of women pursuing STEM careers and why more progress is needed.
Jones Engineering is leading global engineering contractor, with a dedication to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
Women can drive progress in an ever-evolving engineering field
Carmel Walsh (CW): Encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM is not just about achieving gender balance; it’s about fostering innovation, strengthening teams and driving progress in a rapidly evolving industry. A diverse workforce brings fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving and enhanced collaboration, driving progress across industries.
Companies like Jones Engineering recognise that investing in women in STEM is essential for building a sustainable talent pipeline and ensuring long-term industry growth. By supporting initiatives like the TrailblazHER and Iwish Programmes, we are ensuring that the next generation of female engineers has the resources, confidence and opportunities to thrive.
I am constantly learning
and evolving; and that’s
what engineering is all about.
How or why did you choose engineering as a career path?
Luiza Brack (LB): I was a very curious child and, for me, the best way to understand the world was by studying everything related to mathematics, chemistry and physics. I always knew that I would work with those subjects, but engineering was not my first choice. However, after a few years in college, I decided to change my career path, as I realised that I wanted a more practical career.
I wanted a career where I could use my personal skills. I also wanted a career that would suit me. So, my passion for numbers and planning led me to the engineering field. Since then, I have been very happy with my choice. I am really proud to be an engineer.
What is the most exciting thing about your job?
LB: I am constantly learning and evolving; and that’s what engineering is all about. Every day, I must face a different challenge and come up with a different solution. Every day is exciting.
What challenges do women face in engineering?
LB: As we are a minority, it can be intimidating. So, we need to have a strong mindset and work harder to prove our value. It would be great if we could achieve a gender balance in this industry. It is important to encourage young engineers to keep going and, most importantly, encourage girls to think about becoming engineers.
Based in Ireland, Jones Engineering has over 3,500 employees and operates in 14 countries across Europe and the Middle East.
