Women in Engineering Blog

Networking

It has now been some 6 weeks since the Promoting Professional Women (PPW) conference, held at the Sofitel, Melbourne on 23 July 2007, a joint conference hosted by Engineers Australia and Association for Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Australia. The day was a great success, with a total attendance of 307 women from around Australia. With presentations from some prominent women of professional engineering roots, Julie Hammer, Meredith Rogers and Sue Murphy, the day was insightful. A discussion panel raised some contentious issues, such as quota systems (not preferred by many women, citing the importance of promotions on merit). An important aspect not to be forgotten is the networking opportunities which are an inherent in, and valuable aspect of such professional events. And the events aren’t necessarily all about formal presentations and discussions either – indeed social events such as the Gen2X events being held in divisions also facilitate the development of our personal networks, both in the professional and social dimensions.

During the events, many of us will have exchanged contact details and business cards, and even a meaningful conversation or two is thrown into the social exchange. But often, I must admit that I myself have been guilty of noting that I ought to get in touch with my newfound peers, and then getting ‘too busy’. Then, a month or so down the track, feel a little too embarrassed about sending an email with ‘Hi there, you might remember me, we met at the July conference …’.

On the occasions however that we do find the time to meet with a newfound colleague for coffee, we begin to genuinely appreciate the value of sharing our stories, experiences, recent challenges and goals. Recently, I had the opportunity to continue a conversation with one of the women I met at the PPW, and we were able to share some valuable insights without the time pressures of the day.

So I would like to put this challenge to you – at the next networking event, or perhaps following up from a recent event, send an email reintroducing yourself, and make the time to develop a new network of peers.

Peyi Pey Guo
SA Division, National Committee representative

Life-Work Balance

Yes, you read that heading correctly.  What's so balanced about putting "Work" before "Life"?

A lot of the commentary on Life-Work Balance discusses the difficulties faced by families in balancing their employment responsibilities with care of children. Apparently, caring for children is not "Work". Hmmm. For this discussion, let's take "Work" to include caring for children, elderly and/or disabled family members and running a household, and let's also take a broader view of what "Life" might be.

In his 1932 essay "In Praise of Idleness", Bertrand Russell thought that "the [First World] war showed that by the scientific organization of production, it is possible to keep modern populations in fair comfort on a small part of the working capacity of the modern world. " Given all the increases in labour productivity since, you might think this applied even more now.

Russell thought that "four hours' work a day should entitle a man to the necessities and elementary comforts of life, and that the rest of his time should be his to use as he might see fit". He thought people would use their extra time - and energy - to satisfy their scientific curiosity about the world, write, paint, develop professional ideas, and undertake active leisure, rather than passively listen to the radio or go to the movies. (We'd say "spend hours in front of the idiot box").

Russell also thought we would be nicer people, that being less tired and stressed we would "become more kindly and less persecuting and less inclined to view others with suspicion". So long before RoadRage and PhoneRage were invented, we knew what the causes were.

Working four hours a day probably isn't realistic for most - but still, dream a little. If you worked 6 hours a day (paid and/or unpaid), what would you do with the extra time and energy? And could you hope to be a nicer person?

By Vanessa King
Women In Engineering Tasmania

Note 1: The above is probably considered heretical during a "Skills Shortage", but should we work long, long hours at the cost of our physical, mental, social, spiritual and relationship health just because "the economy" needs us? I'd be interested in responses.

Note 2: The whole essay is worth reading.

Note 3: I'm about to return to the office after 15 months maternity leave. My Family Friendly employer has agreed to one day in the office and one day from home, and I also do the books for a small family business, as well as care for a gorgeous toddler, so I suspect the lovely ideas above about time for reflection and personal creativity will remain a fantasy for some time to come! However, it's good to dream...

Why we need a year of Engineering

We, the Women in Engineering National Committee of Engineers Australia, believe this campaign is incredibly important and timely. With women engineers currently representing less than 10% of engineering in Australia (one of the lowest participation rates of women across all professions). This campaign will highlight the fact engineering can change your life and the lives of others.

The fundamental objective of the campaign is to increase awareness amongst the profession and wider community of the role and contribution women make to engineering. It will tell young girls and women about the different engineering disciplines and the personal and professional opportunities it offers. We want engineering to be a sought after profession that offers a sustainable and fulfilling career for women.

Our committee, made up of a group of dedicated women who love their work and recognise the unique aspects women bring to the workplace, has been working on developing worthwhile events for the year. Some of the activities currently planned include networking opportunities, talks and seminars that address retention and diversity, as well as profiles of leading women members.

So while planning has started, we really want to know what you want from the year. What are the issues you face? What do workplaces and your profession need to do to retain women? If you have an opinion on how things could be improved for women in engineering, now is the time to speak up and be heard. We encourage you to provide comment.