“It is especially great to see more women getting involved in such an interesting and ever-evolving industry, and there is always something new to learn, which is fantastic.”
Background and industry experience
Emma joined MEC in 2022 as a utilities Coordinator. Emma has built her experience through working in the residential energy sector for a large energy company, where she developed strong knowledge of both gas and electricity services. During that time, she handled a wide range of customer queries and support needs, which helped her to build extensive customer service experience alongside my industry knowledge. Emma’s background has given her a solid understanding of the energy industry and the importance of delivering clear, efficient support to customers. Emma brings a wealth of knowledge to the Utilities team.
Outside of work, Emma has always had a real passion for history, particularly medieval history. She enjoys it so much that she completed an Open University degree in her spare time, and still regularly attends lectures and events covering different historical topics. More recently, Emma has started writing papers for historical conventions and universities, which has been a rewarding challenge. Outside of that, Emma is a big reader – mostly history books – and she enjoys finding new places to explore on early morning walks. Emma also recently became quite enthusiastic about gardening, which has turned into a hobby she enjoys more and more.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I like to travel to places that have a lot of history, but I don’t really have a specific destination that I go to. I don’t like hot weather too much, much prefer Autumn.
What is your favourite film?
Anything horror-related, I really like horror with a religious/supernatural theme.
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
In my spare time, I enjoy meeting up with friends for coffee, gardening, and going for walks — especially walking Obi, our dog. I also enjoy exploring new places on early morning walks, which is something I find really relaxing.
What is your favourite sport to follow?
I started Ballet again as an adult as a New Year’s resolution this year, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I love watching gymnastics or ice skating.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sausage, egg, chips and beans!
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I am responsible for coordinating connections to existing utility infrastructure across multiple disciplines, including electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, and drainage networks. This involves assessing existing capacity requirements and identifying where infrastructure upgrades or extensions are necessary to support proposed developments. I review design proposals to determine diversion requirements, ensuring utility assets are protected and project objectives can be achieved. A strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and creative approach are essential to developing practical, cost-effective solutions and overcoming complex site constraints while ensuring all connections and diversions remain feasible and compliant.
As a Line Manager, I take great pride in developing and mentoring team members, sharing knowledge and building technical expertise across all utility disciplines. I actively support professional growth, encourage collaborative working, and ensure the team has the skills and understanding required to successfully deliver projects while meeting all utility and stakeholder requirements.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
I have worked within the utilities sector for over two decades, gaining extensive experience and knowledge across a variety of disciplines and roles. Throughout my career, I have successfully transferred and applied this expertise across different career paths, leading me into engineering. This breadth of experience has provided a strong understanding of utility infrastructure, design requirements, asset protection, capacity assessments, and project delivery.
I find it both interesting and rewarding to apply knowledge gained from one area of the industry to another, helping to bridge gaps between disciplines and deliver practical solutions. The opportunity to continually expand my expertise, develop new skills, and share my knowledge with others has been a key driver throughout my career and remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I love it! As a woman in engineering, I am particularly passionate about increasing visibility and representation within the profession. Encouraging more women to pursue and progress in engineering careers is important not only for diversity but also for the breadth of perspectives, ideas, and experiences that strengthen teams and drive innovation. I am proud to contribute to an industry that is evolving and becoming more inclusive, helping to inspire future generations of women to consider engineering as a rewarding and fulfilling career.
It is especially rewarding to work for a company that actively embraces diversity, inclusion, and the development of its people. Being part of an organisation that values different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking creates an environment where individuals can thrive, contribute with confidence, and inspire others to do the same. I am proud to work within a culture that recognises the value of diverse perspectives and supports the continued growth of women in engineering and across the wider industry.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
For me, one of the biggest challenges has been recognising that I am every bit as capable and equal as my male counterparts. Looking back, I think this has often been more about my own perception than the reality of the environment around me. As someone who has spent many years working in traditionally male-dominated industries, there can sometimes be an internal pressure to prove yourself, even when your experience, knowledge, and achievements already speak for themselves.
Over time, I have become more confident in recognising the value I bring through my skills, experience, and perspective. I also believe this is part of a wider positive shift within engineering, as more women enter the profession and take on visible leadership and technical roles. Seeing greater representation helps to normalise the idea that engineering is for everyone and reinforces the fact that ability, expertise, and potential are not defined by gender.
The more women we see succeeding across the industry, the more confidence future generations will have in pursuing engineering careers and recognising that they belong in these roles just as much as anyone else.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Being part of an organisation that champions women in engineering has not only increased my enthusiasm for the cause but has also given me the opportunity to contribute to a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. I am proud to be part of an environment that recognises talent, promotes inclusivity, and actively encourages the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
I would absolutely encourage other women to consider a career in engineering. It is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling profession that offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
One of the aspects I value most is the diversity of transferable skills that engineering provides. Skills such as problem-solving, communication, project management, leadership, collaboration, and technical expertise can be applied across many different disciplines and industries. My own career journey demonstrates how experience gained in one area can be successfully transferred into another, creating new opportunities for development and progression.
Engineering is a profession that challenges you to think creatively, continuously learn, and make a tangible difference. For women considering the industry, I would encourage them to be confident in the skills and experiences they already possess, as these can often provide a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding career in engineering.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
I have always enjoyed pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, both personally and professionally. One of the reasons I find the utilities and engineering sector so rewarding is that it is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges, technologies, and ways of working.
The dynamic nature of the industry means there are always opportunities to learn, adapt, and develop. I thrive on the challenge of expanding my knowledge, building new skills, and applying my experience in different ways to deliver positive outcomes. Every project brings something new to learn, and I am motivated by the opportunity to continually grow, improve, and broaden my expertise while contributing to the success of both my team and the wider business.
Contact: emma.harris@m-ec.co.uk