“It’s important we challenge the stereotypical image of engineering, both in the workforce and the idea of roles available to encourage more diversity in this ever-evolving profession.”
Background and industry experience
Laura started at MEC in June 2023 as a Graduate Transport Planner and now, outside her technical work, leads Travel Plan Coordination duties for the transport department. Throughout her time, she has gained pre-planning knowledge on various residential, commercial and industrial schemes. Laura is currently developing skills in strategic-scale schemes.
Laura studied Geography at Aberystwyth University, leaving with a First Class Bachelor of Science Degree (with Honours). Since joining MEC, she has continued her professional development by gaining Graduate Member status with the Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation (GradCIHT).
Outside of work, Laura enjoys reading, arts and fitness.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favourite is Disney World, but my dream would be to go on a road trip through south-east Asia.
What is your favourite film?
Wall-E
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Spending time with family, enjoying a good book, being creative with arts and photography.
What is your favourite sport to follow?
Swimming
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken nuggets and chips
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I am an Assistant Transport Planner in the Transport Team at MEC. My responsibilities include creating Transport Statements and Assessments, Travel Plans, Monitoring Reports, Environmental Statements and Construction Management Plans. Each project challenges me in unique ways, ensuring that no two days are the same.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
I enjoyed aspects of both technical work, case studying, and placemaking during education, in which Transport Planning became a field that allowed me to continue that interest, develop unique skills, and provide room for personal growth on collaboration, confidence and communication. It all hits the mark on what I wanted out of a fulfilling career that continues to challenge every day and progress with the times.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I’m proud to be a part of an ongoing shift towards more women being interested in engineering and changing the stigma that this is something that we needed to feel intimidated by. I can now calm concerns over equality and diversity in an informed manner, hopefully re-writing the record, and making engineering seem available to everyone.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
The biggest challenge has been building confidence in my own abilities as I’ve gained experience and removing the pre-programmed idea that we need to prove anything by being in a minority gender. The reality just isn’t as deep as the stereotype that was pushed.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Growing up, engineering fields were advertised as being predominantly male dominated, sometimes to a degree that enforced an incorrect idea that this needed to be a daunting thing. Since joining the field, gender difference is less of an extreme as initially presented and certainly nothing to be daunted by. I see more women join our technical teams each year, and hard work earns respect rather than any gender inequality driving it.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
I strongly encourage anyone to pursue a career in engineering as it can be very fulfilling. It’s important we challenge the stereotypical image of engineering, both in the daunting way it has been presented to women and the idea of roles available to encourage more diversity in this ever-evolving profession.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
My current career plans aim to increase responsibility with strategic scale schemes and creation of accompanying environmental statements. Through this, I will be able to advise a greater variety of clients and ensure I am experienced with the details of all sides of transport planning.
Contact: laura.gregson@m-ec.co.uk