Elena Gil Aunon

"I am a Chemical Engineer specialized in Industrial Water Treatment. I love my job. I work leading a team of engineers. My main focus is to have a engaged team, who enjoy the work they do and who front challenges every day. I like working as a team, fronting difficult projects from the beginning to the end. We like to be technically excellent, but we have fun also. Work does not mean boring times, it means excitement, challenges, defiance and why not? fun. I am a mum also, a woman, a daughter and a friend of my friends. Our job is important, but family, friends and enjoying life is also important. We need a balance between all of it. "

"I lead a team of engineers in Wood Environment and Infrastructure UK. I am based in London. We (my team and I) work in projects all over the world, in different sectors, all related with industry. We design Industrial Water Treatment plants for different sites. We can work in a project in the Middle East, China or India. We can help with issues of industries damaging the environment in South America, we can improve capacity of a gold mine in Australia. What I enjoy more is seeing the projects from the beginning to the end and to be able to improve the Environment. The impact of different industries (as oil and gas, power or food) in the World is massive and we have the responsibility to help to improve how they perform and how they affect the Climate, the air pollution, the water pollution... The starting salary in my role in London is around £30,000/ year. "

"I joined Wood nearly six years ago, and it was a massive change for me. I previously worked as a contractor at an engineering company, who specialized in water engineering and turnkey projects. I was managing the Industrial Water Division for many years and became very capable at my job. I got to know my clients and was recognized for being a capable leader. But there was something missing. I needed more. I felt as though I had run out of challenges, working with the same clients on the same projects. Contractor life became second nature to me and I had the need to be challenged again. I needed to step away from my comfort zone. I needed to be bold and look for change.Wood was running a European recruitment programme in Barcelona, with consultant opportunities available across Europe, which was highly attractive to me. I had always wanted to challenge myself in a new country, to experience a new culture and test myself in that culture. I registered my interest and was invited to interview the next day. I was really attracted to the opportunities available not only in the water sector but across the Environment &Infrastructure division.After two successful interview stages, I was offered a Consultant position with Amec Foster Wheeler in London. A new country and a new type of position. Change offers a roller-coaster of emotions and I went through them all – nerves, fear, curiosity, motivation and excitement. Deep down I knew I needed to change in order to test myself so I accepted the offer.I changed the contractor life for the consultant life. As Contractor, I was very involved in the detail design, procurement of equipment and materials, construction and start up. Budget was essential and I had to get the best for the lower cost, which was a challenge! As a Consultant I define the basis of the projects, I help defining the environmental requirements, the performance specs and work in the early stages of the projects.Since I moved to Wood, I’m constantly challenged and learn something new every day. I am always looking for new areas to discover.Now, I am not only working in the water sector, I have expanded my knowledge to environmental permitting, air quality and waste sectors. Wood has allowed me to be exposed to a more complex reality.If we dare to be bold challenges are there for us to take. My professional career has not been easy, but I have enjoyed every single minute of it."

"I recently became a mum. I spent now most of my time with baby Maia. I am married to Alex and we are both enjoying parenting. I love travelling, and I have been all over the world, working and also on holidays, discovering cultures and nature: Iran, Oman, China, Japan, Morocco, Tunis, Canada, Mexico, Kazakhstan are some of the places where I have been. And of course, all Europe. I enjoy reading, listening to music and dancing. I dance a lot with Maia. I also practice Yoga and do some meditation when I am stressed! I love walking in the countryside, we have discovered lots of places in the UK since we moved here 6 years ago. I am interested in Environmental Politics, Religion and different cultures. and I love going to concerts and festivals... still don't know how I will manage with Maia, a new whole world with her!"

"My typical day include some meetings with my team to check how they progress with their work, client meetings, some review of documents/drawings, more meetings... I normally try to do some research every week to be aware of the new technologies in the water industry. I enjoy also a cup of coffee with other teams, to understand whats going on in other teams and be sure we can have good connections with them. I always have lots of mails to answer (clients, bosses, team questions). I have also webinars and seminars with other country teams to get well connected."

"I studied in Spain. I have a Masters in Chemical Engineering (MEng) and another one in Humanities (Msc)(Language and History). I also did NEBOSH qualifications in relation with Health and Safety in the Construction Industry and in Process Safety "