“I went on a placement year with a global construction company and fell in love with how fast-paced, innovative and fun the construction industry is.”

- Mimi-Isabella

In honour of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we have a series of eye-opening interviews with inspiring women currently working in the engineering sector.  

Mimi-Isabella is an award-winning Civil Engineer at Sir Robert McAlpine with a strong interest in sustainable construction materials, particularly concrete. She works on projects all over the UK ensuring that the materials being used are sustainable. Currently, she is working on the Align JV for High Speed 2 (HS2) C1 as an Assistant Materials Engineer as part of the concrete production and quality management team. She is assisting the management team with materials testing, coordination and quality control processes. She is passionate about diversity and social mobility in the built environment industry. As a result, she collaborates with organisations to create content and speak to diverse groups of young people championing diversity in engineering and construction. Mimi-Isabella loves to solo travel and enjoys experiencing cultures, languages and architecture. She hopes to inspire young people into the industry through her personal journey and experiences of solo travelling. 

What project are you working on now, and what’s your role?

I am an Assistant Materials Engineer for Sir Robert McAlpine. I am working on HS2 on the C1 section managing concrete production and quality control, I love concrete! 

What does an average day at work look like?

I manage the concrete materials testing and co-ordination between the quality team and the materials testing subcontractor, I also analyse and review the various concrete mix designs including the HS2 tunnel lining (21.6km), viaduct (3.2km), the tunnel shaft and a culvert. Concrete is a fantastic material!   

How did you get into the industry?

Growing up, I wanted to be a medical professional and geared my education towards this career path. I went to an all-girls sixth form where engineering wasn’t spoken of. I studied biology, chemistry, psychology and religious studies at A-Level. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet the requirements and didn’t get a place onto the course I wanted, so I studied another science-based degree through Clearing. I soon realised this science course wasn’t for me, and I had plans to drop out of university completely. Through a chance encounter, I met a friend who invited me to his lecture as I was about to drop out of university. He didn’t tell me what course he studied I just followed him. I went to the lecturer and fell in love with the opportunities and practicalities of solving world problems and helping people, these were the same reasons I wanted to become a medical professional. After that lecture, I decided to change course and university and study civil engineering. I took a placement year at a global construction management firm and that is how I knew I wanted to work for a contractor within the construction industry. I discovered the world of civil engineering once I got into university. I went on a placement year with a global construction company and fell in love with how fast-paced, innovative and fun the construction industry is.

What is the biggest misconception about construction?

That it is just for men! There is a lack of women most definitely but women can do everything men can do! 

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened at work?

We often have banter on-site! Everyone is really down to earth! I think the funniest thing that has happened is when I did a tea round for my colleagues and I put salt instead of sugar in people’s tea – it was hilarious to see their faces! 

If you could change anything about the industry what would it be?

I wish the construction industry was more diverse and had more BAME representation! Diversity means innovation, creativity and fresh talent! You cannot be what you cannot see. 

Would you recommend the construction industry to a young person, and why?

You can tailor your career and there are so many roles, both technical and non-technical. There is a role to suit any skill set! Law, engineering, finance, tech, construction management/project management, marketing and communications, document control, technicians, HR, health and safety and administration to name a few. You can work in a variety of sectors too and you can easily swap and change. Construction is fantastic because you are making a direct impact on society, the buildings you construct can outlive you, I say I feel like I am leaving my mark on the world. Construction is also a booming industry and great for the economy. You can travel all over the world and not worry about finding a job! Other benefits include that you’re not in an office all day (which has health benefits), you can earn good money and you’ll build excellent connections. Someone might be able to help you with your personal building works too!