“I would definitely encourage other women to consider a role in engineering, it is important to have females contributing to discussions and influencing designs within the construction environment.”
Background and industry experience
Zoe joined MEC in July 2021 as an Assistant Flood Risk Engineer. She has progressed to Flood Risk Engineer through gaining experience in writing Flood Risk Assessments and designing detailed drainage strategies, and continuing to develop her skills.
Zoe has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the University of Hull and is working towards becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Outside of work, Zoe enjoys swimming, and she is also a keen baker.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
I loved Montenegro because it offered a little bit of everything: beautiful coastlines, historic towns and plenty of national parks. I also have to say Iceland because its where I got engaged, but also because it is stunning!
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Either go on a hike, or go to a pub garden on a sunny day.
What is your favourite sport to follow?
Football! I’m a Leicester City fan.
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I am a Flood Risk Engineer within the Flood Risk Team at MEC. My job involves undertaking outline and detailed surface water and foul drainage strategies alongside producing Flood Risk Assessments to support a wide range of development projects. My role combines technical analysis, research, and problem solving. I assess the flood risks and potential constraints of specific sites and develop sustainable drainage strategies that help protect both the proposed development and the surrounding areas from flood events. Balancing flood risk considerations with development objectives is essential to maximising a site’s potential while ensuring future residents and communities remain safe and resilient.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
My interest in engineering developed through my enjoyment of problem-solving and curiosity about how things work. I was drawn to subjects that combined analytical thinking with real world applications, particularly those that have an impact on people and communities.
How have you found being a female engineer working at MEC?
Working at MEC is fun because there are a variety of people with different interests and expertise working together to ensure the client’s objectives are met and exceeded. There are also plenty of social events and staff days to get involved with, which help everyone to feel included and part of a team. I also like that the company prioritises individual learning and career progression, running plenty of engaging CPD sessions for personal development.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, but I have seen increasing efforts to encourage greater diversity and inclusion across the industry. Throughout my career, I have worked alongside talented and supportive colleagues from a variety of backgrounds, and I have found that success in engineering is driven by skills, knowledge, and teamwork rather than gender and reinforced my belief that diverse teams bring valuable perspectives and ideas.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
I would definitely encourage other women to consider a role in engineering because it is a rewarding and diverse career that offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the world around us. I would encourage other women to consider engineering because it provides a wide range of career paths, from technical design and analysis to project management and client engagement.
My experience has shown that engineering is not only about calculations and technical solutions, it is also about creativity, problem-solving and collaboration. In my role as a Flood Risk Engineer, I have the opportunity to help create more resilient communities by designing sustainable drainage solutions that manage flood risk, protect homes and infrastructure and enhance the surrounding area.
The industry benefits from greater diversity, and having more women in engineering brings different perspectives, ideas, and approaches to solving complex challenges.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
I will continue to develop my technical knowledge and experience within the flood risk and drainage team. I hope to progress to a senior engineer role, taking on greater responsibility in the delivery and management of projects as well as supporting, training, and mentoring younger members of the team, whilst continuing to learn from others within the industry.
Contact: zoe.jordan@m-ec.co.uk