IWED | Celebrating Women Engineers - Profile of Gildeci Silva
Posted on June 26, 2024
International Women in Engineering Day is celebrated on June 23rd every year. Gender disparity exists in Australia, with only 14% of engineers identifying as women. TMK has amazing women engineers who we would like to acknowledge as part of IWED. They show dedication and commitment within our organisation but they are also champions setting an example that every person can have a career as an engineer.
Showcasing our talent
Gildeci (Jill) Silva is a qualified Engineer and part of our Volume Homes team. Her role includes preparing and designing preliminary and full-detailed reports and structural designs. She ensures all drafting and design concepts are in accordance with the client’s requirements and in line with TMK’s policies & procedures.
We asked Jill some questions about her experiences of being an engineer.
Why did you choose to become an engineer?
I chose to become an engineer because I enjoy solving problems and creating solutions that have a real impact on the world. Engineering allows me to combine my analytical skills with creativity, making it a fulfilling career choice for me.
What do you enjoy most about your work as an engineer?
What I enjoy
most about my work as an engineer is the opportunity to tackle challenges and
find solutions. I find it rewarding to see ideas on a draft come to life at the
work site. Additionally, collaborating with diverse teams and learning from
experts in various fields makes each project dynamic and engaging.
Have there been challenges on your road to becoming an engineer that you have faced due to being a woman? (How) have you overcome these?
While working as the only woman at a company in a previous job, I always felt like I was not part of the team and did not have support for growth. To overcome this challenge, all I could do was to be brave and continue to do my best. My experience at TMK is the opposite, which makes the workplace a great place to be in.
In your opinion, why is it important that more women take up engineering?
It is important for women to take up engineering to ensure more diversity in the workforce and different ways of thinking. It is through exchanging ideas and points of view that we can keep learning and improving.
What is it like to work as a female engineer at TMK? I would love the female aspect but if you are uncomfortable just provide an answer on the culture and how you fit in.
Since I started my career at TMK in August 2022, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of a welcoming, courteous, and respectful group of professionals. The company is supportive and in these 2 years working at TMK I have never felt inferior or lacking a sense of belonging. On the contrary, the environment makes me feel welcomed, valued and included.
Do you have an Engineering Hero? If yes, who is it?
I don't have personal heroes. However, during my time at university, I admired one of my professors, who was a strong female figure who represented all of us women in engineering.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’d give to a woman thinking of starting a career in engineering?
My advice to young women aspiring to work in the engineering field would be to always put yourself forward for chances and have confidence in yourself. Being in a predominantly male profession is not always easy, but the industry benefits from diverse perspectives and talents.