Question: Do some people think negatively towards the fact that you're a woman in the business?

Lauren Ashmore answered on 4 Nov 2017:

When someone rings our company and asks for “Technical” they will more than likely be transferred to me. On a few occasions, I have had this conversation with a few (obviously old fashioned and narrow minded) men:

Me “Good Morning GMS”
Him “Hi, I asked to be put through to Technical?!?!”
Me “Yes…you’re through to Technical, how can I help you?”
Him “No, I have a technical question, I need to speak to someone technical”
Me “Yes…I am part of the technical team, I can help you”

This really annoys me. They assume because they are speaking to a woman on the phone that she isn’t technical or has a degree. This normally just motivates me to show them just how much I know and how good I am at my job.

Other than that I usually have a great response from people within the industry. Yes, as a woman in the engineering sector I am within a minority but I honestly think that this helps. I stand out from the crowd, people are more surprised and impressed when I can hold a technical conversation and provide advice and useful input. This really helps with securing orders, making contacts and career progression. The majority of men and women within the industry are eager to get more young girls involved and interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Hence why I am here taking part in this project.

Do not think being a woman is a disadvantage to you or will stop you from progressing in this industry, it is most definitely an advantage!!