Interview with Leah Westwood
Leah is our DDMS Information Quality Manager and she has a solid foundation of technical knowledge and skills that supports her in taking on complex project and tasks and perform at high level. She is a mother, she enjoys baking and her favourite song is Pineapple Skies by Miguel. For Women’s International Day we have prepared an interview with her to promote Women in Highways and Engineering.
What did you want to do when you were at school?
Make-up Artist
How did you find out about the industry?
My dad was the business owner of a drainage solutions company where I started working when I was 17.
What does a typical day look like for you at DDC Engineering Solutions?
My day starts by logging in to my e-mails and checking for any urgent queries. I then have a cup of tea and catch up with my colleagues. Then I make a start on my daily tasks which consist of carrying out data quality assurance checks and preparing data for the night shift. Every day is different with new challenges.
What is your favourite part of the job, what do you enjoy most?
The business and the people, everyone is supportive of each other.
What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?
To look past people’s doubts and have more confidence in my own capabilities.
What challenges do women face in the Engineering professions/academia?
Women may find being a minority challenging and feel they must work harder than their male colleagues.
What could be done to encourage women and make it easier for them to choose this as a career option?
Companies offering flexibility for example remote working and flexible hours enabling some women to balance home life as well as exceed in their careers.
Do you think the perception of Engineering as a male-dominated career can be changed, and if so, how?
Yes and I feel it is changing however by encouraging girls from an early age by promoting successful female Engineers and their achievements within schools, colleges and universities, this could help break down the perception of Engineering being a male-dominated environment.
A message for Women’s International Day
Thank you to all women for creating positive changes to this world, whilst breaking down barriers along the way. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another to do great things! Happy Women’s International Day!