Belinda Oldfield

I wanted to study in Scotland and looked at a number of Scottish universities and colleges. I was attracted by the flexibility offered by Abertay, which gave me the opportunity to do a sandwich degree. 

My degree in Civil Engineering has been invaluable. I spent the early part of my career in construction and consultancy in both the private and public sector. My earlier roles include site engineer, resident engineer, project manager, asset manager and capital investment manager.

I have fully utilised my engineering skills which includes being adept at problem solving and understanding complexity as I have progressed into senior leadership roles within the UK's water industry.

Less than 50% of parents believe that engineering is a suitable career for their daughter. We need to change this. Women bring different perspectives. Women also tend to be able to put themselves in other people’s shoes which is helpful in terms of outcomes when working with customers. I would also say that many women are natural bridge builders with good inter-relationship skills. You can have an exciting career and a family. These aren’t mutually exclusive.

View the BEng (Hons) Civil and Environmental Engineering course