Jessica Mullen is an electrical engineer at EDC and she shares her experience of how she chose engineering as her career and what she aspires to achieve in the field.
What made you choose EDC?
One of the main reasons I chose EDC was the opportunity to work on exciting new large-scale projects in London with the bonus of great company culture!
Do you have a particular area of specialisation within your chosen field?
My current area of specialisation is alternative energy sources. I am constantly looking for ‘the next big thing.’
Do you have any particular hobbies or interests that you are passionate about?
My interests would include travel, watching rugby (better yet, watching Ireland win the rugby) and reading!
Why did you choose a career in Engineering?
From an early age, math’s and science always sparked my interest. I also loved to build new things with Lego! But unfortunately, I always thought of engineering as a ‘man’s’ job’, and I did not actively try to pursue a career in it.
However, all that changed when I came to my final year in school, and I was frantically trying to decide on my career path and zero down on a degree. I decided to visit Trinity College for inspiration and ended up in the engineering building! I snuck into a lecture and instantly knew I would choose a career in engineering.
Engineering combined everything I was interested in – problem-solving, math and real-life applications. The fact that it would give me a fantastic career with endless opportunities made this career even more attractive.
Of course, I was nervous about joining a predominately male field (for context, the year I graduated, only 13% of engineering graduates were women), but I wasn’t going to let this deter me.
I was lucky to receive constant support through women in engineering/stem mentoring programmes throughout my education and career. Being a part of a community of trailblazers who have paved the way for women in STEM made me feel extremely confident about my decision to pursue engineering.
Engineering is a brilliant career, and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.
Picture: Crown Trading Centre Hayes
"I was nervous about joining a predominately male field. The year I graduated, only 13% of engineering graduates were women, but I wasn't going to let this deter me. I was lucky to receive constant support through women in engineering/stem mentoring programmes throughout my education and career. Being a part of a community of trailblazers who have paved the way for women in STEM made me feel extremely confident about my decision to pursue engineering. Engineering is a brilliant career, and I can't imagine myself doing anything else."
What did you study at university, and how has your previous experience led you to your current role?
I studied Electrical and Control Engineering before specialising in Energy Management and Electrical Services in my fourth year at Technological University Dublin (TUD). My degree naturally pushed me toward building services and gave me a good understanding of my future in the field of engineering.
What excites you about your job?
It has always been ‘The Eureka’ moment for me. The process of finding the right solution, of finding that ‘Eureka’ moment when faced with a challenge, is what excites me.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day would begin with our morning team huddle. It is usually followed by replying to any queries that have come in from clients. The afternoon would start with some calculations for an ongoing project, followed by incorporating these calculations into the project.
Favourite memory from a project?
My first time out on a building site was so special. It was so cool to see the things I had designed in the office being brought to life!
What do you like most about your job?
I get to work on things that interest me, like electrical distribution and working as part of a team of fantastic engineers.
What is your most valued achievement to date?
One of my most valuable achievements was the first time I was the electrical lead for a project. That was an exciting milestone!
What are some things you’re excited about in engineering now and in the future?
I am looking forward to the shift in focus on sustainability that organisations are rapidly adopting. We can see organisations leaning toward renewable sources of energy, something that is largely being discussed in Europe. I am optimistic about the positive change that Nearly Zero Energy Buildings and the new ‘normals’ will bring.