Rose Commons

"My work involves being organised and methodical to collect and review data, which matches well with the ‘Influencer’ type. It is very important for me to be conscientious and curious. I need to work well with other people to get information from them and to pass information on to them in a way that is understood, which really suits my ‘Investigator’ and ‘Coordinator’ types."

"As a Mechanical Design Engineer, I design gearboxes for large vehicles. I do calculations to make sure the parts will not break and will not wear out too soon. I also have to make sure that the speed of the wheels is what is needed for each selected gear. I use software to make a 3D model and analyse the design, and then when the design is agreed, it has to be tested. The part of my job I like most is doing calculations and analysis.I have found it really exciting to travel to other countries and to give presentations to other engineers. I have also enjoyed testing vehicles on test tracks and using the data for computer calculations. In my career, I have frequently travelled to Poland, USA and France. I have also travelled to China, Brazil and Germany.As an engineer, it could be possible for me to progress to be a manager, but I have chosen to progress as a technical expert instead. At the moment, I am working as a contractor, rather than being in a permanent role. In the future, I hope to be doing similar work, but to be a technical expert that other people come to for advice on a variety of subjects."

"I wanted to be an engineer from the age of 15. Although I did not know any women in engineering, I had heard about women working in engineering in Eastern Europe, and my step-father gave me an interest in cars and trucks. I chose my A-Levels to be able to study for a BEng in Mechanical Engineering. After university, I started working as an engineer in the automotive industry. I was particularly interested in computer simulation, and so I began studying part-time for an MSc in Mathematical Modelling. This took 4 years and meant that I could get a better job within the same company in the Analytical Services Department. The average salary for a Mechanical Design Engineer is around £40,000."

"In my spare time, I love to spend time with her family. I also like to watch football and enjoy reading. I also love using an app to learn new languages."

"I usually start the day by planning out what tasks I aim to achieve and which are the most important. I carry out calculations using software or spreadsheets and sometimes by hand. I often have meetings with other engineers so we can discuss the design. Sometimes meetings are held over the phone or using a computer. I might also walk up to someone in the office to ask for advice or let them know something. Communication is an important part of the job. I usually keep notes during my day, which may include tasks that I have been set or things I have learned."

"O'Levels: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, History, Geography, French, Religious Studies, Computer Studies; A' Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, General Studies; B.Eng.(Hons) Mechanical Engineering; M.Sc. Mathematical Modelling; C.Eng. MIMechE"