Maisie Wong

Maisie works as a Chartered Civil Engineer, specialising in Building Structures.

Tell us a bit about what you do; what does your typical day involve?

I’m a Chartered Civil Engineer and I specialise in Building Structures. Typically in the day I will be part of a project team designing how a building can stand up, what it looks like and how it works inside. I work closely with Mechanical, Electrical and Geotechnical engineers on a daily basis and we work out the best way to make the building function.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Problem solving. Every day there is a new challenge and can be very interesting and exciting.

What subjects did you study at school?

Mathematics, Physics and Design and Technology

Do you have any specific role models/ mentors that influenced you into what you are doing now?

Isambard Kingdom Brunel

What difficulties have you encountered along the way that you had to overcome?

Engineering is quite male dominated. That can be a challenge sometimes. But as long as you are confident and intelligent then you will never have any problems.

How do you see your work affecting other people’s lives?

I can help people directly and it is very fulfilling, especially on charity engineering projects that I regularly do in my spare time.

What piece of advice would you give to young girls interested in a similar profession?

Engineering does pay very well compared to other professions….. so together with promoting the engineering profession, its importance and relevance to the world (so that the pay becomes fairer), you need to enjoy it as a subject because it isn’t the fastest way to make you rich.

What do you have by way of hobbies and other interests?

I enjoy charity engineering projects and I have recently returned from a long secondment living in Uganda, Africa constructing buildings for people who are in need.