INWED 2025 Q&A: Amy Norman, Senior Civil Engineer at Perega

What initially drew you to a career in civil engineering?

I wanted a university subject that built on my maths-heavy A-levels but also had real-world impacts. While I was choosing universities, I heard some truly inspiring speakers talk about civil engineering and how it forms the fundamental building blocks of everything around us. They emphasised that society simply can't function without it. That idea of being involved in something so essential is really what made me want to work in the industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your educational and early career path?

A: My path was fairly typical - GCSEs, then A-levels in maths, further maths, chemistry, and physics. I was looking for something practical at university that would use those subjects, and engineering perfectly fit the bill. While my education laid the groundwork, the vast majority of my learning actually happened once I started working in the industry. I don't necessarily think a university degree is a must for an engineering career; there are many excellent apprenticeships available today.

Which projects are you most proud of, and why?

A: I'm particularly proud of a couple of medium-sized residential projects, each with 100-150 dwellings. I was deeply involved in every civils aspect - the highways, the levels, the drainage. It's incredibly rewarding to walk around those sites now and know that my influence is everywhere. Those were also the projects where I learned the most, and though they were incredibly stressful at the time, hindsight really shows their value in my development. Making mistakes is a vital part of the process, a key component in learning your job, though it certainly doesn't make them easier in the moment!

What emerging trends are you seeing in civil engineering, particularly concerning sustainability?

We're seeing an increasing and entirely justified demand for sustainability. This often stems from council and government initiatives like SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) and BNG (Biodiverse Net Gain) requirements, which lead to developments that are ultimately more pleasant places to live and work. There's a gradual shift in attitudes towards sustainable development, with clients beginning to realise that inclusions like SuDS can actually be more cost-efficient and maintenance-free over the entire lifecycle of a development.

Why is diversity so important within engineering teams?

The more diverse perspectives and experiences a team has, the better equipped they are to tackle complex project challenges. If everyone approaches a problem with the same mindset, you'll consistently arrive at the same solutions and never truly evolve new ways of working. A varied workforce brings forward more creative solutions, which is always a positive.

Do women bring unique strengths to the engineering field?

I don’t necessarily think women have unique strengths in the same way men as a collective don’t have unique strengths that make them better engineers. Anyone can be well-suited to a career in engineering, regardless of gender. However, having a workforce with varied experiences definitely leads to more creative solutions, which is always beneficial.

What do you see as the biggest barrier to achieving gender parity in engineering?

I think the biggest barrier is the societal mindset. Until the collective belief shifts to recognise that any gender can thrive in any career path, we likely won't achieve an equal workforce. We can, however, continue to show up and be examples of great engineers.

What initiatives or changes do you think are most effective in encouraging more girls and young women to consider civil engineering as a career?

My key advice would be to encourage engagement with STEM subjects early on. It's much harder to get into engineering if you haven't enjoyed, and therefore connected with, subjects like maths and physics. I was fortunate to have some great teachers in these subjects who were passionate about what they taught, and that enthusiasm really made me excited to learn.

For women currently working in civil engineering, what advice would you offer for professional development, networking, and leadership?

I'd strongly recommend investing in ongoing learning, actively seeking out mentors who can guide your career, and joining professional organisations to grow your network within the industry.

Amy Norman, Senior Civil Engineer at Perega