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Celebrating Women in Engineering: A Conversation with BECKER UK's Market Development Manager
At BECKER UK, we are proud to support and celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, continuing to champion inclusivity and diversity within our organisation. This year, we are spotlighting one of our team members, Melissa, who talks about her journey as a female in engineering and reflects on both the challenges and rewards of working within the vacuum sector.
About the day:
Every year on June 23rd, the world celebrates International Women in Engineering Day to help recognise the inspiring female engineers across the globe and help showcase their incredible work in the sector. Starting in 2014, the day was founded by the Women’s Engineering Society, and a few years later, was rewarded with UNESCO patronage to become the internationally recognised day that it is now.
A JOURNEY AS A FEMALE IN ENGINEERING: WITH MELISSA FROM BECKER UK
Our UK Market Development Manager, Melissa Kelly-Jones, has worked at BECKER UK for five and a half years and continues to break down barriers each day; from starting in internal sales and advancing her way through to marketing and technical external sales, Melissa now covers all revenue streams for the industry - including service, new pump sales and centralised vacuum systems.
Her career progression is evidence of her hard work and dedication, and we are truly proud to have her as a valued member of the Becker team.
Melissa Kelly-Jones, Market Development Manager
NAVIGATING A DOMINATED INDUSTRY
Whilst engineering has historically been male-dominated, Melissa says the industry is changing – and fast. “I enjoy working in this field”, she says. “I don't particularly think about the gender split, although I have been the only female in the room on occasion, but I do notice more ladies coming through, whether that be colleagues or customers”.
Over the years, she’s sometimes had to work harder to prove her expertise, often feeling the need to explain her answers more than her male counterparts. But that’s happening far less now, thanks to her 25+ years of experience, growing support for women in industry, and a shift in attitudes, funding and education.
That said, there are still occasional reminders of outdated perception, often generational, which shows there’s still a long way to go, especially in engineering, where male dominance remains.
“I do notice more ladies coming through, whether that be colleagues or customers. However, we (ladies) are very outnumbered, but times are changing and have been for a few years".
ADVICE FOR FUTURE FEMALE ENGINEERS
Melissa has one clear message for all the future women engineers:
“If this is your strength, then go for it.”
“It’s a career that’s not only rewarding in terms of the work, but also in knowing you’re helping to close the gender gap and paving the way for future generations”
LOOKING AHEAD
“It’s been a fulfilling and enjoyable journey”, she reflects, saying that without the opportunities she has received in the past, she couldn’t be where she is in the present and with that comes gratefulness.
“I am challenged, but with those challenges comes personal reward”
BECKER’S PROMISE
This 'Women in Engineering Day', we are proud to celebrate the talent, tenacity and passion that inspires change in mechanical engineering, and as a Group, we remain dedicated to creating an environment where all voices are heard and everyone has the opportunity to succeed - no matter their gender.
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