Lisa Martin, who studied Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering at South East Technological University (SETU) shares her advice for girls thinking about studying engineering both in school and college.
"In some schools, girls don’t tend to study technology or subjects that would be incorrectly considered by some to be "manly". I say don’t be afraid to try them."
SETU Graduate, Lisa Martin
Gorey Community School past pupil Lisa Martin recently graduated from SETU with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering.
Full-time employment
I now have a full-time job working as a sustainability engineer & building energy rating assessor for an engineering consultancy called Building Envelope Technologies. The business is located just outside my hometown in Gorey, Co. Wexford which is super handy.
A change of tact
This is the second course I attempted at SETU. I first studied architecture for a year at the Granary Campus in Waterford city. I felt that the sustainable side of engineering was more suitable so I switched my course to Sustainable Energy Engineering.
Placement
I completed a six-month placement in Bausch & Lomb in Waterford city. This was beneficial to my overall studies. The amazing people at Bausch & Lomb gave me the hands-on knowledge I needed to thrive in the industry.
Breaking gender norms
In some schools, girls don’t tend to study technology or subjects that would be incorrectly considered by some to be "manly". I say don’t be afraid to try them in school and then if you like them don’t be afraid to study them in university.
