Dami Adegunle
Dami Adegunle is a Reactor System Health Engineer who thinks that when it comes to a career within engineering, the sky’s the limit.
Getting to know you
What subjects did you study at school?
At secondary school, I studied Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Food & Nutrition, and then Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A level.
What are your hobbies?
I really enjoy ice skating, playing Sudoku and getting involved in outdoor activities such as paintballing.
What is your favourite film?
It’s got to be The Shawshank Redemption.
What is your favourite food?
Anything Thai!
Do you have any specific role models that influenced you into what you are doing now?
Not really, what I’m doing right now spawned out of personal interest.
Who do you admire?
My mother.
What inspired you to get into engineering?
I always enjoyed science back in school, and when I was choosing my career, I wanted something that would open various doors of opportunity for me anywhere in the world.
Job title?
Reactor System Health Engineer
Did you always want to be in the profession you are in?
Yes, without a doubt.
What is a day in your life like?
Dynamic! I rarely have two days the same.
Why do you think it is that not many girls get into engineering/STEM/Construction careers?
I think a lot of people associate careers in these sectors as being very male-orientated. I think there needs to be a continual awareness that ‘yes, females can be scientists and engineers, and yes, we’re successful at doing it too!’
What do you like most about your job?
I particularly like the support given to new mums, as well as the various opportunities to work efficiently and effectively, both as part of a team and on my own.
Your current projects
What are you currently working on/doing at the moment?
Currently, I’m looking at existing maintenance routines on the plant systems that I’m responsible for, and how to make them as efficient as possible.
How do you see your work affecting other people’s lives?
One of EDF Energy’s goals is the safe generation of power. Having reliable plant systems in place helps to contribute to safe power generation – which means that making decisions that improve the reliability of my plant areas not only has a knock-on effect on other areas, it has an impact on people’s lives too.
Complete the following sentence: “being an engineer is great because…"
"... the world is my oyster!”
Challenges and obstacles
What is the biggest stereotype you have faced?
Occasionally, there are light-hearted comments from some male engineers such as, “women, what do they know?”. I love the look on their faces when I prove them wrong!
What difficulties have you encountered along the way that you had to overcome?
Recently, I was working in an environment that didn’t have female locker rooms, which could be pretty inconvenient. I expressed my concerns to my line manager, and almost straight away, a female locker room was created for us!
Do you find it difficult being mainly in a ‘male dominated’ job environment?
I find it interesting rather than difficult. Even though the mannerisms, language and dress code can be different, I’ve adapted well in a male-dominated environment without having to change who I am.
Future generation
What would you recommend to a girl who wants to do engineering but is unsure of which field to get into?
I’d suggest speaking to your careers advisor. Make sure that you highlight what you enjoy doing and what gives you that buzz. Then from there, they should be able to guide you.
What piece of advice would you give to an aspiring female engineer?
Go for it girl! Engineering equips you with valuable, transferable skills that can be used in virtually any industry. Within the science environment alone, your options include the energy, water, pharmaceutical, chemical, food, building and construction, and aerospace and defence sectors – the list is almost endless! It can also help to build your confidence – so don’t limit yourself!
