Background and industry experience
Orla joined MEC in March 2026 as a Graduate Civil Engineer. She graduated from Coventry University in 2025 with a BEng in Civil Engineering.
Outside of work, Orla plays Gaelic football and enjoys taking her dog for a walk.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Thailand or Greece
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Spending time with family and friends
What is your favourite sport to follow?
Hurling, Gaelic football and football especially if villa are playing.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any type of Greek food
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I currently work within the Civil Engineering Team in Birmingham. I am a graduate who supports the team in Section 38, Section 104, and Section 278 Approvals. Since joining, I have worked on a variety of schemes from 20-plot residential developments to 400-plot schemes. My work involves producing drawings, amending designs, and updating Flow calculations, which I am really enjoying and looking forward to progressing within the team.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
I was drawn to engineering because I enjoyed problem-solving and wanted a career where I could see the real-world impact of my work. The combination of creativity, technical knowledge, and practical application made it an exciting career choice.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I’m proud to be a woman in engineering. While the industry has traditionally been male-dominated, I’ve seen positive changes and increasing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. I think having different perspectives strengthens teams and leads to better outcomes, so it’s encouraging to see more women entering the profession.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
When I first joined the company, I felt overwhelmed by the male-to-female ratio; however, everyone has been very accommodating and helpful, which has meant I have settled into working within MEC well. It has helped me build confidence, develop strong communication skills, and learn to trust my knowledge and abilities. Having a supportive team and mentors has also made a huge difference.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Since entering the industry, I’ve become more aware of the progress that has been made; I’ve seen many organisations actively working to create more inclusive environments, and representation at senior levels has clearly improved. Overall, my experience so far has been positive, and it’s clear to see that encouraging diversity and ensuring everyone has equal opportunities to succeed has been vastly improved by the industry.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
Absolutely. Engineering offers a wide range of exciting and rewarding career paths, and there is space for people with different interests, skills, and backgrounds. I would encourage women to explore engineering because it provides opportunities to solve meaningful problems, make a positive impact on society, and work on projects that shape the future.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
I’m focused on continuing to develop my technical expertise and gaining experience across different projects.
Contact: orla.garvey@m-ec.co.uk