Yewande Akinola is an engineer and innovator; she has worked on projects worldwide and is currently an EMEA Technical Director with CBRE Global Workplace Solutions.
Yewande is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM and has received numerous accolades, including an MBE for services to engineering innovation and diversity. She is an ambassador for the Department for Education’s Teach in Further Education campaign, which aims to call on those with industry experience to teach in FE by sharing their skills and training the next generation of workers in their field.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
Entering the world of work can indeed be daunting, but focusing on the exciting aspects of your chosen field can help alleviate those feelings. I find that a career in Engineering is incredibly rewarding because it revolves around solving problems. By concentrating on the opportunities to develop creative solutions for our world, you can ease the sense of being overwhelmed. Initially, I considered architecture and was uncertain about what a career in Engineering might entail. However, through exploration and following my curiosity, I discovered unexpected and fulfilling opportunities in the engineering sector.
It’s essential to be part of organisations and programs that foster and support growth. Actively seeking out opportunities to learn and acquire valuable skills is crucial.
I’d encourage individuals to ask questions and seek information. The likelihood that someone has been on a similar journey is quite high. It’s always beneficial to find and reach out to people you can ask questions to. Having a support system is vital. It’s always helpful to recognise that, in most cases, you already have what you need to take that progressive step. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I like to reflect on the journey so far with gratitude. This practice helps me move forwards.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in STEM?
There are often preconceived notions about what an engineer looks like. However, I encourage women to view the engineering industry as an opportunity to bring real, tangible progress to our world.
It’s also valuable to discuss your work and share the knowledge you’ve gained. One way you could to this is through knowledge events like conferences, or why not take it one step further by inspiring the next generation of engineering talent through teaching? Teaching in Further Education can be a powerful way to share your skills and experience to help shape the future workforce and ensure a strong pipeline of talent entering the field.
Further Education (FE) is education for learners aged 16 and over who aren’t in school or studying for a degree. In settings such as colleges, FE offers diverse teaching opportunities across a range of technical, vocational and academic subjects to help prepare learners for work in their chosen field.
The opportunity to share your skills and experiences through FE teaching provides opportunities for collaboration, fosters innovation and can help ensure a strong pipeline of talent in the engineering field. Female industry professionals have a profound impact when they share their skills and experiences. Their presence and contributions can inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in engineering, creating a ripple effect that promotes gender diversity within the sector.
Additionally, having a global perspective on engineering is crucial. Be curious enough to explore and understand engineering solutions from different parts of the world. By embracing these opportunities, you can make a significant impact on the engineering industry and inspire future generations to follow in your footsteps.
